Following the Hollywoodbets Sharks Investec Champions Cup bonus point victory over Exeter Chiefs at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, Head coach John Plumtree paid tribute to his team’s composure under immense pressure.
“The yellow cards weren’t ideal, but I think it’s a reflection of the pressure we were under with the injuries we got to our loose forwards,” he explained in the aftermath of such an intense, dramatic game.
Losing players early and having to make big adjustments certainly didn’t help matters, but a comprehensive performance in the first half built the foundation for victory.
“There was a lot of change with our defensive lineout, we lost one, and then another straight afterwards and the boys aren’t happy about that.
“The try they scored just before half-time was a pretty soft one. But we scored again and the last 20 minutes it became a bit of a circus for us, we were down 12 men at one stage.
“I thought we managed the last 10 minutes pretty well, we kept them out a couple of time and managed to get some territory. But we were just hanging on.
While discipline did falter, Plumtree acknowledged that things could have been worse, had the first half not delivered such gains.
“We’ll have a good look at why that happened and how we got into that situation. We don’t want to do that again. Were we up only eight or nine points and down to 12 men, we could have lost that game.
“But I’m really pleased with the way we adjusted and hung on for a good win.”
Playing Siya Kolisi at eighthman has certainly opened up the Springbok captain for greater involvement on attack and Plumtree was thrilled with the way he is contributing.
“I like Siya at eight, he gets more ball in his hands and he’s such a skilful player. For him at this stage of his career where he understands the game really well, you want to get the ball to him as much as possible. I like him in that spot and I think he’s really enjoying playing in that position.
“If we lose Eben as well as loose forwards like Vincent Tshituka and James Venter, Siya’s role becomes massive for us.
“He’s loving his rugby here and we love having him. He’s playing really well, good on him.”
There was also a word for Phepsi Buthelezi who made a massive impact off the bench, called onto the field early and scored a blinder of a try.
“I’m really happy with Phepsi,” said Plumtree.
“He’s been coming off the bench for us the last couple of games and doing a great job. The way he played in this game was really outstanding.”
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