Plumtree can't fault effort in URC opening loss

REACTION: Sharks coach John Plumtree opted to focus on all the positive aspects of his side’s 19-35 loss at the hands of the Glasgow Warriors on Friday.

The game was in the balance for almost 70 minutes, with two late tries sealing it for the Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium.

The big point of difference was the predictability of the Sharks’ attack, which made it easy reading for a willing Glasgow defence.

The Sharks start their URC campaign with three tough away matches.

Apart from the very capable Warriors, the Durbanites also play tournament champions Leinster on their tour.

That is two matches away against the two most recent winners of the URC.

The middle game of their three-match tour is against the Welsh team, the Dragons, who have struggled in the URC over the past few seasons, but who might have a lot of fight in them at home early in the new season.

Following their opening round loss in Glasgow, Plumtree told reporters post-match that there were lots of positives to focus on.

“There are some real positives. There were nine debutants, so there was obviously always going to be a challenge regarding some combinations and continuity in our game,” the coach reflected.

“But I couldn’t fault the effort, couldn’t fault the fight that we had, so I’m really proud of them in that respect.

“We were not very smart defensively at times, giving away penalties, and our lineout defence on the goal line wasn’t where it needed to be.

“That probably came down to some players not knowing our game. But, you know, after 69 minutes we were in the game and they scored a try that probably put us away.

He added: “And then, at the end, it was just disappointing to get a couple of yellow cards and concede a penalty try on the goal line.”

“There are some really nice learnings for us, some things that we can work hard on this week to improve our game and have a good week around the boys, just getting to know each other better,” he concluded.