Hollywoodbets Sharks coach John Plumtree feels a year of work with his side could be undone by injuries after registering another away United Rugby Championship defeat, courtesy of the DHL Stormers on Saturday. 

The Sharks played out to a 24-20 loss in a contentious battle with the Stormers in Cape Town, suffering the effects of major absentees in their star-studded team. 

Contrary to the previous URC campaign, where they finished in the bottom half, the Sharks have started the new season on a decent footing, sitting fifth in the Championship log after eight games. In as many games in the previous season, the Durban were amongst the five teams at the opposite end of the table. 

Despite the recent result, the Kiwi coach attributed this season’s convincing start to the team’s commitment to dedicating last season’s campaign as a foundation phase of his project, especially since he had just arrived as the new head coach. 

“I mean last year was a really filling out process, getting used to everyone, the squad and the coaches and everything. We got rid of the players and identified probably a vision for the team that we needed to bring and then obviously the way I’ve managed the team around making sure the leaders have a massive role to play in our team environment,” said the 59-year-old. 

The Challenge Cup champion further elucidated on his philosophy, saying, “And the decision making because I am a big believer in if you want them to own the team and the performance then you’ve got to be able to trust them with it. So, and then they buy into that and all of a sudden accountability comes and that is where I think we have shifted it a lot.”

Building up to the new season, the New Zealander managed to gather a solid, well-balanced squad in experience, boasting a phalanx of World Cup-winning Springboks pack including the surprise return of Boks captain Siya Kolisi.

Plumtree’s troops have since managed to register a 100 percent win record in their total four games played but have rather struggled in away games, losing all four URC games on the road.

Adding to his point, Plumtree insists his senior players have played a major role in the team’s progress but feels the sudden injury situation is out to deflate their form.

“I think the players have enjoyed it. When you have good senior players like we have got, you know they want to have a role to play. They want a management team and a collaborative coaching team. So, it is working for us now but we’re getting undone, our season is getting undone through injuries and that is the disappointing thing.”

Amongst a long list of injuries, the Sharks are without the coach’s trusted senior figures  – Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, and Lukhayo Am who have all played their part in gradually shaping the team’s form this season.

BKT United Rugby Championship, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa 28/12/2024
DHL Stormers vs Hollywoodbets Sharks
John Plumtree of the Hollywoodbets Sharks
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/SteveHaagSport/EJ Langner