Ox Nche says the Sharks are operating with a clarity and cohesion that has been absent in recent seasons, pointing to JP Pietersen's influence as the franchise sits top of the URC standings after consecutive bonus-point wins over the Ospreys and Leinster.
Nche returned from international duty last week and came off the bench in the 26-20 victory over Leinster, a match in which the Sharks' scrum was a consistent source of penalties and field position.
"We don't just say words," Nche said. "There's actually action and we do what we say. There's just a bit more belief and connection amongst each other. We're all more aligned. There's definitely been a difference from the previous three seasons."
The 31-year-old admitted the scrum's dominance over the defending URC champions exceeded expectations. "We felt our scrum could put pressure on them, disrupt them a bit, but we didn't expect to do that well, because the calls could go 50-50. It did make a big difference — you can win 30 to 40 metres if you get a penalty from a scrum."
Attention now turns to Saturday's derby against the Stormers in Cape Town, with the Nche vs Wilco Louw scrum battle drawing considerable interest given Louw is making his second debut for the Stormers after rejoining from the Bulls. Nche was characteristically understated about the individual matchup.
"It's a great challenge to play against guys you play with, but I honestly don't see it as a me thing. It's more about what we can do as a pack, how well we prepare together."