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Rugby

Sharks look forward to homeground advantage

───   MORGAN PIEK 12:59 Mon, 14 Oct 2024

Sharks look forward to homeground advantage | News Article
Phepsi Buthelezi. Photo: Sharks

The Sharks look forward to playing in their first home game of the United Rugby Championship on the weekend after more than a month on the road.

The Sharks returned home on Sunday following a gruelling tour to Europe where they lost to Connacht in Galway and Benetton in Treviso.

Before the URC, the Sharks faced the Bulls in Pretoria in the Currie Cup semi-finals and the Lions in the final in Johannesburg.

The coach of the Currie Cup champions John Plumtree said against Benetton they had their chances but weren’t clinical enough and this will need to be addressed.


“We weren’t good enough tonight, there were too many unforced errors at crucial times, particularly in their 22, when we had opportunities to build pressure,” said Plumtree.

“Particularly in the second half, we had plenty of territory and possession and we just weren’t clinical enough. That’s something we’re going to have to really look at. We were just nowhere near ruthless enough. I thought that Treviso’s defence was outstanding. They scrambled well and they got off the line and put pressure on us. We didn’t handle that well.

“I don’t think there was any lack of trying. I think we really were working hard, but it was just individuals, some defensive lapses, and just not a clinical enough performance.”

Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse. Photo: Sharks 

Plumtree added that they are just looking forward to getting back to Durban and getting to play at home for a change.

“We’re all just looking forward to getting home now. We’ve been away for around five weeks, if you think about the end of the Currie Cup as well. So we’re all just looking forward to having a home game.”

Saturday’s match between the Sharks and the defending URC champions, the Glasgow Warriors, at Kings’ Park in Durban kicks off at 15:45.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh/cg

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