Sharks boss makes honest Springboks admission as he highlights Leinster comparison
Sharks head coach John Plumtree has given a reality check over their recent showings, stressing they must be realistic over the availability of their Springboks.
The men from Durban have shot up the table from bottom spot to ninth after back-to-back wins over former champions Glasgow Warriors and Munster at Kings Park.
The Sharks‘ latest win over the Irish outfit was a comfortable 41-24 success as their United Rugby Championship title hopes were given a shot in the arm on Saturday.
Springboks galore
Included in their starting line-up over recent weeks have been a plethora of Springboks and they have made a significant impact under the captaincy of Eben Etzebeth.
Joining the South Africa second-row in their pack has been the likes of prop duo Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, hooker Bongi Mbonambi and Springboks star Siya Kolisi.
It’s not just up front where they are oozing Test class as scrum-halves Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams, centres Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am, wing Makazole Mapimpi and full-back Aphelele Fassi have also been in outstanding form in the most recent two games, with successive victories catapulting them up the table.
Springboks shine as Sharks ease past Munster while Ospreys claim just second win of season
Plumtree has kept a lid on the expectations of the group, however, as he warns that the Sharks will not be able to call upon such talent week on week in the tournament.
“The reality is when we are at full strength, we are a very strong side and that is what you need to do well in this competition,” he said.
“Leinster have had their strongest team out for how many weeks and we haven’t, so I think everyone needs to cut us a little bit of slack.
Reality check
“Yes, I want to win all the time, but the reality is we are not going to be a full-strength Sharks side all the time. We can win without the Boks, but it’s hard to win without all of them.”
The Sharks, like the rest of their competition rivals, will now take a month-long break before their next game, which will see them host the Stormers on November 30.
