Sharks to ‘take a look in the mirror’ as under pressure John Plumtree pinpoints key problem against Ulster
Sharks head coach John Plumtree on URC defeat to Ulster.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree insists his playing and coaching staff have got to “take a look in the mirror” after their latest defeat, to Ulster at Kings Park on Saturday.
The 34-26 negative in Durban means it’s now three losses and a draw to start the United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign which leaves the Sharks sitting in 14th position.
Speaking after the home loss, Plumtree did not shy away from their dismal opening to the season and was asked his mood after his team went down to their impressive visitors.
Expected much more
“Just disappointing,” head coach Plumtree told reporters afterwards. “We expected so much more. It is hard to get my head around right now. We were flat at the start of the game.”
Expanding on his review of the game, the Sharks boss believes his players were not at the required level from a physical standpoint which led to Ulster capitalising on the day.
“We had plenty of opportunities through scrum penalties to get into their 22 and build some scoreboard pressure, but we just didn’t turn up physically,” Plumtree continued.
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“They were really good and clinical, and put pressure on early with a couple of great tries.”
This was the first match of the URC season that the Sharks were bolstered by the vast majority of their Springboks, with 13 Test stars named in a strong looking starting XV.
Springboks’ return
However, they were a good way off their Rugby Championship-winning form and Plumtree was asked whether their return en masse might have negatively affected the side.
“Definitely it affected the balance, but we can’t go into that space,” he said. “We have got to be harder on ourselves. That includes the players, coaches – everyone. We’ve all got to take a look in the mirror and come with a different mindset.”
He added: “To lose four in a row, and one at home, is not a great start. But we have the quality – now we need the response.”
Next up for the Sharks is a home game against basement side Scarlets, who are in a similar position to the Durbanites after the early season, suffering three straight defeats.
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