VIDEO: Coaching the Sharks not for the fainthearted says Plumtree
VIDEO: Sharks coach John Plumtree says navigating the challenges of competing in two tough tournaments has kept him up at night.
The season has come to an end for the Sharks after their disappointing loss in the semifinal of the United Rugby Championship against the Bulls on Saturday.
And while a lot has been said about the Springbok-laden Durbanites who never quite pitch up when it is really needed, Plumtree explained the challenges that go with having so many Springboks in a side and the need for depth in a squad when they are not available.
“It was a tough season, and learning a lot in my second season in the URC.
“Coaching the Sharks is not for the faint-hearted; it keeps me awake at night,” he laughed wryly.
In February, 16 Sharks players were out injured, but despite these setbacks, they still managed to stay well-placed in the URC with a fourth spot at that stage of the competition.
“There were really tough periods of the season, especially after the November internationals when we had tired Boks coming back.
“How we can compete in the tournament with players who have just played 14 internationals is a challenge.
“And then after Christmas, they go through their Springbok resting, and it’s about navigating that period with the rest of the team.
“We also had 18, 19 injuries at one stage, which was a crisis.
“When you do finally get everyone back in, it’s about where you’re sitting on the log and how you can progress in two tournaments (the URC, Champions, and Challenge Cups).
“The key for us is to make sure we have the depth in our squad to do well without the Springboks.”
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To that point, the absence of Eben Etzebeth was immense for the Sharks, and similarly that of Jason Jenkins, who has had a stellar season up to now.
Although Plumtree tried to play down the disappointment of the Springbok lock’s loss last week, he admitted it was a huge blow.
Etzebeth took a head knock during training last Monday and was forced to withdraw from the semifinal.
“Eben is the best lock in the world as far as I’m concerned,” the Sharks coach said.
“He’s our captain, and he inspires others around him. When he’s in our group, it’s probably a different pack, so it was a massive loss for us.
“Jason [Jenkins], as well, has played so well this year. Two big men who carry really well for us and can win the ball.
“That was a big loss this week.”
Grace in defeat 🤍🏉
Even in loss, Siya Kolisi shows what it’s all about 🙌#BKTURC #URC | #BULvSHA pic.twitter.com/2QM1fHjzFl
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) June 7, 2025
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