John Plumtree has spoken out against the Sharks’ perceived over-reliance on their Springbok players after their commanding victory over Munster.
The Sharks backed up last week’s win over URC defending champions the Glasgow Warriors, with a commanding 41-24 bonus-point win over Munster at Kings Park. Both results came about courtesy of the invaluable contributions of their Springbok stars.
Against Munster on Saturday, Jordan Hendrikse top-scored with 16 points off the kicking tee, while his fellow Springboks Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams and Andre Esterhuizen crossed for four of the Sharks’ five tries.
Additionally, the impact made by captain Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am and Phepsi Buthelezi should not be overlooked or understated.
Of those mentioned above, Williams was the most influential and he was justly rewarded with the official Man of the Match award.
PLUM ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR SPRINGBOKS
Speaking in a post-match conference on Saturday, Plumtree opened up about the significance of having the Springboks available for selection.
“You’re saying they’re Springboks, but they’re Sharks, you know. [If] they’re not available, we can’t go get another 10 Springboks to help us out if we’re overseas, so we do our best to build a squad.”
“The reality is that when we are at full strength, we are a very strong side and that is what you need to do well in this competition,” the Sharks head coach added.
“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.
“We now got a northern tour [for the Boks] and they will come back and then we’ve got a tough match against the Stormers at home, so the challenges just keep coming.
“We’ve also got Springbok resting [protocols] as well, so there is a lot to deal with.
“Yes, I want to win all the time, but the reality is that we are not going to be a full-strength Sharks side all the time.
“We can win without the Boks, but’s hard to win without all of them.”
DO YOU THINK THE SHARKS ARE GENUINE TITLE CONTENDERS?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Sharks-related article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news and views.
