Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen hopes to stay fit throughout 2019 after missing a big chunk of the 2018 season because of a knee injury.

The big tighthead sustained the injury while playing for the Boks against Ireland in November 2017.

He made his comeback in last year’s Currie Cup, helping the Sharks beat Western Province in the final at Newlands.

With pre-season out of the way, the Springbok is in a great mental space ahead of the Sharks’ Vodacom Super Rugby opener against the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday.

‘I’ve had my ups and downs as far as injuries go; last year was a tough season if I must speak honestly, but it ended on a high,’ Oosthuizen told the Sharks website. ‘Winning the Currie Cup showed what this Sharks team can do.

‘So, starting this season without any injuries is phenomenal. We’ve had a long pre-season and worked extremely hard and are now looking forward to Saturday and getting some miles on the feet.

‘My goal in life is to enjoy myself, to play for something bigger than myself and just to have fun. So my plan is to go out there and enjoy each game. I’ve been out for a year, so I know what it feels like to not be a part of it. I’m looking forward to getting on the park on Saturday.’

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Oosthuizen says the conditions for the team’s pre-season run-outs helped them to prepare for Saturday’s match.

‘It wasn’t easy, it was extremely hot and we know Singapore will be exactly the same. We’re also fortunate to train in this kind of weather, so we won’t need much adapting.

‘We ticked all the boxes and mentally we are prepared for what is to come. It’s exciting to be focusing on Super Rugby, now is the time to execute.’

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images