Plum: Semi spots up for grabs in Glasgow

18/04/2024 16:12

Sharks coach John Plumtree has challenged the players chosen to face the Glasgow Warriors on Friday to put pressure on him for a place in the Challenge Cup team lineup.

Veteran centre Francois Venter will lead a new-look starting XV in the Vodacom URC clash at Scotstoun Stadium. No 8 Nick Hatton is line to make his URC debut, while Curwin Bosch and Grant Williams link up in an all-Springbok halfback combination.

Test centurion Eben Etzebeth is one of six World Cup-winning Boks left at home after the Sharks beat Edinburgh last week to become the first South African side to qualify for an EPCR semi-final.

Speaking in a Sharks conference on Thursday, Plumtree explained the changes with one eye on tackling Clermont Auvergne at London’s Twickenham Stoop on 4 May.

"There's a mixture of some senior players in this team and there's a mixture of some young guys as well. We've had a good week and it'll be interesting to see how we get on," he told reporters.

"They're all looking forward to it even though they know it's going to be quite a challenge for us.

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"The players who we have left back in Durban are players with big workloads the last four games, and then a couple of players like Eben Etzebeth who had a massive workload through the [2023] year, especially with the Springboks. He's really important to manage and he's an older athlete.

"We made the decision to give those boys some extra time and a bit of conditioning. We think that decision was right."

"This is an opportunity for those guys who haven't played for a while and I'm looking forward to how they play in a tough environment like Glasgow against a real quality team," Plumtree added.

"And that's what we want, isn't it? They'll be motivated and want to push for a place [in the semi-final lineup] and that's what I've wanted to create the last few weeks, is some competition.

"Curwin back in there at 10, Grant at nine, Swys Venter back in the midfield… we want these guys working hard to put pressure on me around selection for the Scarlets game next week, and obviously the semi.

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"It's a real test for a lot of them but does give me an idea of how they'll be able to handle pressure against a side like this. They [also] don't need an old coach to motivate them, they need to be self-motivated.

"We know we've got a rather big stage in London [in two weeks' time] and it's something everyone is really excited about and wants to be a part of, so here's a very good launching pad if you want to get to that stage."

Two-time World Cup winner Vincent Koch is set to make an impact off the bench with standout performers Vincent Tshituka, Siya Masuku and Ethan Hooker, yet the selection of Hatton will raise a few eyebrows.

Addressing the rookie's role, Plumtree explained: "He's a young No 8 being brought up through the Sharks system and age groups. A young talented player but a guy I've only seen play a couple of times and certainly nothing at this level.

"I'm hoping he enjoys his experience and gets to express his skills, and I know he is really excited about the opportunity."

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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