Sharks stay in the win column

Sharks coach John Plumtree said their win over the Scarlets on Friday night in the United Rugby Championship was good preparation for the up-coming Challenge Cup semifinal against Clermont on Saturday.

The side from Durban managed to get a close 32-27 bonus point win over Scarlets in the URC at the Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli.

For the Sharks, the game against the Scarlets was sort of a dress rehearsal for their vital last-four game with Clermont in the Challenge Cup at Twickenham Stoop.

Springbok stars such as Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, and captain Lukhanyo Am were given a run against Scarlets to get battle-hardened for Clermont. Based on what he saw against the Scarlets, Plumtree was satisfied with how the game helped with their preparations.

“I was really happy with parts of our performances. It was really good prep for our Clermont game this week,” said Plumtree.

The victory for the Sharks came courtesy of a hat-trick from winger Werner Kok (above) and a try from Springbok prop Vincent Koch. Flyhalf Siya Masuku, who was pulling the strings and got two try assists, kicked 12 points. He also got the Manof-the-Match award for his performance.

The Sharks put on a measured display, managing the momentum of the game and making sure they stayed in front on the scoreboard.

Plumtree praised the forwards for how they laid a platform for the win.

“Our forwards were outstanding in the set-pieces,” Plumtree said.

“I thought the backs, particularly in the second half, kept the ball in front of the boys and the forwards made a difference in parts of the game.

“We pressured the Scarlets line-out. I was happy with the options we took. Our defence was solid. A few things to work on in that department, which is great,” said the veteran coach.

The five points moved the Sharks to 13th place on the points table with 23 points. The Sharks are aiming to finish their URC campaign on a high note after a dismal start to the season hampered their chances of making the play-offs.

Despite that, they can still qualify for next season’s Champions Cup by winning the Challenge Cup.