Sharks prepared for 'physical' Stormers
Sharks assistant coach John Plumtree warns that the Stormers will present last year's losing finalists with a greater physical threat than the Western Force.
Sharks assistant coach John Plumtree warns that the Stormers will present last year's losing finalists with a greater physical threat than the Western Force.
The derby match takes place in Durban on Saturday for what is expected to be another physical encounter between two South African sides.
“They are bigger than the Force upfront and therefore that challenge will be a bigger one,” Plumtree told the official Sharks website.
Plumtree also believes that despite taking the Bulls on at their own game, the Stormers will get even better in the physical stakes.
“I don't think we have seen yet what the Stormers can do after the first weekend and you can't take much out of their game, it was a derby game, big South Africans smashing each other.
“But hopefully we will see some good running rugby this weekend.”
On the basis of their opening game, it appears that the Stormers will look to bring structure to their normally open style of play under new coach Rassie Erasmus.
“In their match against the Bulls, there wasn't a lot of expansion or width to that game, and they have enough players to play that style,” said Plumtree.
“When you look at their backs, you know they can play a game based on width.
“They also look to have more meat to their driving game.
“They have some very direct ball carriers amongst the forwards, they have plenty of talent and is only a matter of time before Rassie moulds them into a really good unit.”
The Stormers have made just two changes to the side that bowed out against the Bulls in a match that was certainly there for the taking.
“They will be disappointed about the result of their game against the Bulls. Perhaps it was nerves; a lot of pressure with a new coach and in front of a large home crowd.”
One player that will be used to playing in front of large home crowds is Sharks debutant Frédéric Michalak.
The French international missed last week's opening game against the Western Force with a calf muscle ionjury, but Plumtree says that the former Toulouse star was raring to go.
“He has looked good at training and he is really keen having had a little taste of what Super 14 rugby is all about, even if it was on the sideline,” said Plumtree.
“I'm sure he's absolutely keen to get out there and show his range of skills.
“Hopefully after 80 minutes of Super 14 rugby, the forwards can supply him with quality ball.”
The Sharks are in a very special position in that they have a number of versatile players and with Michalak coming into the starting line-up, the coaching staff are left with selection quandaries – not who to play, but where to play them – given the fact that almost every player in the backline can cover more than one position.
“We are fortunate to have an Adi Jacobs, Frans Steyn and players like them who can play several different positions,” said Plumtree.
“We have some talented player who can play out of their favoured positions and still be effective.
“With the benefit of kicking, you need kickers who can catch and kick. Odwa (Ndungane) showed great form in the Currie Cup.
“Stefan (Terblanche) too can play wing or full-back, so there are some nice selection headaches for us.”