VIDEO: Sharks banking on some Bok muscle in trophy hunt
The Sharks will rely on the value of their ‘big name’ Springboks when they go on a trophy hunt in the 2025-26 European season.
However, between now, the start of the United Rugby Championship, and March next year, they will only have them available sporadically.
Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams are all currently on national duty in the Rugby Championship.
Add in injured players like Aphelele Fassi, Corne Rahl, Jason Jenkins, Siya Masuku and Trevor Nyakane, then you realise the challenge coach John Plumtree is facing to put out a competitive squad for the start of the URC.
It starts with away matches against the Glasgow Warriors (Friday), the Dragons and Leinster on consecutive weekends.
That is followed by home matches against Ulster and Scarlets, before a mid-season break for the November internationals.
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Plumtree explained that it was a ‘challenging’ pre-season build-up to the tour and getting a good enough squad together.
He added that the tight forwards may be ‘unfamiliar’ with each other.
“Hopefully, we have done enough,” he said of their pre-tour preparations.
The Sharks coach said, as has been the case in previous seasons, the South African franchises have “massive travel challenges”.
However, he hopes to get some ‘fit’ Springboks back once the Rugby Championship concludes early next month.
(WATCH as Sharks coach John Plumtree reveals his plans for his Springbok contingent…..)
“That is the real challenge, to have the fit mentally and physically,” Plumtree said.
“They have been in a Springbok environment since June.
“We have to rely on our big players to have success when it comes to the big games.
“How we utilise those boys, depending on their well-being, is vital.
“It is my third year, I have seen it all and know what to expect.
“Along the way, there will be many challenges.
“It was only once we got through the Springbok resting [window] in February and March that you can push for a place in the URC play-offs.
“A lot depends on how those boys come back.”
Plumtree revealed that he hopes to have some of his Boks available for the third match on tour, against Leinster on October 11.
“Only the players that want to play and can perform for us,” the coach said.
“We have to be careful with the well-being of the athlete.
“It could be a player who has had a heavy load with the Boks and has been away for a long period of time.
“We have to see what their mindset is like.
“We certainly will be bringing a few in, but it will be based around how well they are from a well-being and mindset point of view.”
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