The Hollywoodbets Sharks travel to The Dexcom Stadium in Galway for a pivotal United Rugby Championship (URC) Round 6 clash against Connacht on Saturday at 21:45 (SA Time).
Hollywoodbets Sharks’ coach John Plumtree, under pressure after a winless start, enters with a refreshed squad post-international break but without most Springboks. His pre-match tone is defiant and focused, emphasising bravery amid adversity.
He clarified that his future won't hinge on this result: "My future has nothing to do with Saturday’s match against Connacht. My attitude is that I’ll keep going until someone tells me to stop. I’m committed to finishing strong. I love this team, and it means a lot to me.”
“It’s certainly been the best pre-season we’ve had. Not having a game last week allowed us to prepare well, get the travel done, and get the recovery part right. We’re going into the game feeling really good about our work.”
On the Challenge Posed by Connacht: Plumtree respected the hosts' strengths, warning of their cohesion: “They’re organised and work hard for each other,” Plumtree warned. “We’ve got to be good defensively. They’ve got a talented player like Josh Ioane, who can run, kick and pass. Our set-piece must step up.”
He highlighted the venue's toughness: "Conditions in Galway may be unpredictable. We won’t prepare to be cautious. We need to be brave."
Plumtree backed his rested players: "A well-rested Sharks outfit arrives in Galway with momentum and new direction. When we play Connacht next game up, obviously the Boks will still be in Ireland, so we can use players there."
Despite ongoing teething issues, he's optimistic: "This highlights a broader theme of the Sharks’ season, disrupted cohesion and constant change... but the squad’s potential remains clear."
“When we’re all fit, supporters will see the strength of this roster. The cohesion hasn’t been what we wanted, but we’ve kept working. We’re still not clicking.”