Sharks eye URC glory: John Plumtree’s racehorse hits the home stretch

The Sharks have increasingly hit their stride as they approach the finish line of the United Rugby Championship.

Winning four of their last five games in the competition, and solidifying their hold on fourth position, head coach John Plumtree has likened his team, sponsored by Hollywoodbets, to a racehorse one could place a bet on to win it all.

Sharks in a gallop

While they are unlikely to climb to third position, being five points behind the Bulls, the Sharks sit seven points ahead of Cardiff and are in a prime position to host a home quarter-final against the team finishing fifth after the last two regular season fixtures.

With injured Springboks returning to the fold, the coach pits his side to hit their straps at the back end of the season.

Before that, they need to take on Welsh sides Ospreys and Scarlets over the next two weeks. Plumtree said the Sharks will iron out their creases, particularly in the loose trio combinations and dynamics, during these games before the all-important play-offs.

“We’ve got players coming back at the right time. If you compared us to a Hollywoodbets horse, I’d say we probably won by a nose [against Edinburgh and Ulster]. But I guess it’s the Kentucky Derby in four or five weeks’ time and we want to win that race,” Plumtree said.

“We just want to build, get that horse fitter and train it hard, and get it across the line, maybe winning by four or five lengths and not by a nose.”

Looking at the Sharks’ starting loose trio

Concerning the loose trios, Plumtree said he is inclined to push the cohesion of his favoured starting three – Phepsi Buthelezi at blindside flanker, Vincent Tshituka at openside and Siya Kolisi at No 8.

“I like that loose forward combination, how their skillsets complement each other, particularly in attack,” the Sharks coach said.

“All three can jump in a lineout, all three are good defenders. They’re tough, rugged rugby players. I love that combination. Not forgetting James Venter coming off the bench and Manu Tshituka and Nick Hatton coming into that space as well… Tino [Mavesere] as well. We’ve got some real competition for those jerseys.”

Plumtree said he knew Kolisi plays at six for the Springboks but he prefers him at eight “because of his skillsets in attack”. “He’s got quick hands, some lovely off-loading skills which I like in a number 8.

“Phepsi’s probably been our standout forward for the season so far. He’s just been playing consistently, really good rugby. But I’d like to see him develop more in that six spot.”