Plumtree pleased despite 'stressed' Sharks defense
REACTION: The Sharks’ head coach John Plumtree is a very pleased figure after his team’s 42-22 win over Cardiff in Round 10 of the United Rugby Championship.
They outscored their hosts by six tries to four, with Jordan Hendrikse adding 12 points with the boot.
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi scored two of the team’s six tries, while Jordan Hendrikse added 12 points with the boot.
The hosts replied with four tries in front of a packed Arms Park.
With the win, the Sharks are currently in fourth place on the log, with 29 points and one game in hand.
#REPORT: Mbonambi double helps Sharks sink Cardiff 👇#URC #Cardiff #Sharks #CARvSHA https://t.co/UCABxXksaH
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After the match, Plumtree said he was content with the attack, but there are a couple of defence concerns.
The side missed 31 tackles.
“I am pleased with the result,” Plumtree said after the win.
“I thought Cardiff were excellent and played some good attacking rugby and stressed our defence on several occasions.
“Losing Manu Tshituka and Nick Hatton early in the game put a lot of stress on our forwards, but I thought Deon Slabbert coming off the bench, having only been with us for a few days did well. Jason Jenkins adjusted well in the lineouts and getting the job done with losing two forwards early in the game was pleasing.”
Match Summary
The coach praised the front row for their impressive display.
“We had to strike back after they scored and keep that scoreboard pressure on them, through some good moments that we had.
“The critical thing in the last 15 minutes, was when we put the impact players on and how they closed the game out. I thought the front row was excellent and Lukhanyo Am, Swys [Francois Venter] and Jaden Hendrikse.
“I loved the way we closed out the game with the two late tries, but it could have gone either way. As I said, I thought Cardiff was excellent, they had a full house at the stadium and had great support.
“It was a good away win for us. We always hoped to get them over here and so were pleased with the win.”
The Sharks will enjoy a break before heading to Loftus Versfeld to face the Bulls on February 15.
“A well-deserved break now for the boys and we look forward to getting back into it.”
Six Nations
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