Tapuai revels in SA culture, hopes Sharks find way to combat Edinburgh pitch

Sharks midfielder Ben Tapuai has taken to Durban like a duck does to water, even though Durban's beaches have been in need of improvement in the past year.

Tapuai, who will be partnering Springbok Frans Venter in midfield for Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh in the Scottish capital, even trotted out a line in Afrikaans in Wednesday's press conference.

Tapuai, who played for the Queensland Reds in Australia before moving to the Sharks via a stint with the Harlequins, said it was important for visitors to immerse themselves in the cultures of the countries they stay in.

"It's very hot, but my family and I are very much enjoying our stay in Durban," Tapuai said.

"As foreigners, it's important that we learn the culture and what it's about. I think moving with my family from Australia to the United Kingdom to here, we also had to adapt.

"It taught me a lot about myself, but I guess moving to another country means you have to learn different cultures, and it's quite cool, along with different languages.

"I also appreciate everything about South Africa and it's a beautiful country. We're loving our stay in the country and in the morning, I try to greet in different languages.

"It helps to connect with the guys a bit more because the more you do it off the field, the more it shows on the field."

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The Sharks will have to brave the cold temperatures in the UK and the unpredictable nature of the synthetic surface of the DAM Health Stadium.

The synthetic pitches haven't always been to the liking of the South African teams, but they've had to adjust nonetheless.

Tapuai, who turned 34 last week, said they'll have to find a way to cope with what will