Sharks forward heads home as Mongalo shares Plumtree's big plan
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have been forced to tweak their tour squad ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round Two clash against Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
In a press conference on Tuesday, assistant coach Joey Mongalo revealed that forward Reniel Hugo is on his way back to South Africa after the Sharks opened their season with a 21-34 defeat to Munster in Limerick.
“We lost Reniel Hugo to a shoulder injury, so he has flown back home,” said Mongalo.
“Hyron Andrews has flown in and he arrived last night [Monday] and he starts his first training session. Other than that, everyone is available for selection.”
Mongalo also provided an update on Aphiwe Dyantyi.
“He has been training well. He picked up an injury just before we flew over here so he is just getting back onto the mend and he should be available for selection this week or the week after that.”
Meanwhile, the Sharks will get another chance to build on their new identity when they face Leinster.
Head coach John Plumtree is in the process of turning the Sharks into an attacking force and Mongalo believes the side showed some examples of that against Munster.
However, Mongalo was not happy with his team’s defensive game, which is an area he is in charge of.
“The five tries [conceded] is one that is personal for me. It does hurt and we definitely had good discussions about that,” said the defence coach.
“The coach [Plumtree] is very clear that we are in a building process. He is very clear that he wants the Sharks team to be very attack-focused and attack-minded and that comes with its other side as well.
“It is us finding that balance. In summary, there are glimpses of where we are trying to go.”
Mongalo added: “Plum is very serious about playing an attractive brand of rugby. Rugby with far more ball in hand and far more ambitious, so that is the type of words that he is using.
“That is going to take time to build, but he is definitely clear on how he wants the world to see us.”
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