IT'S ALL IN THE COMBINATION
03/26/2025 04:08 AM
In the Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Zebre Parma Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash, head coach John Plumtree threw the cat somewhat amongst the pigeons by naming a recognised eighthman on the flank, and a flank at eighthman.
The latter was none other than Springbok and Hollywoodbets Sharks captain Siya Kolisi, with another leader in Phepsi Buthelezi also playing outside of his usual position.
But that's the nature of combinations where it's not always about the best player in his position, or whether he is playing in his best position, but also how one player contributes his strengths to the loose forward trio, and how the other two players are able to feed off that, and provide their own contributions to form a deadly back row partnership.
Talking about the loose forward combination and the balance, and how they are not only there to complement each other, but also bring strength to the team and a threat to the opposition, both individually and as a combined effort, head coach John Plumtree explains that, "I like that loose forward combination, I like how their skillsets complement one another.
"Particularly on attack. All three can jump in the lineout, all three are good defenders and they're tough, rugged rugby players. I love that combination."
Plumtree adds that playing a recognised six at eight and an eight at six is also about developing players' versatility and adding to what they already bring.
"I'd like to develop Phepsi as a six more, Siya plays at six for the Springboks, but I like him at eight because of the skillset he brings on attack. He has quick hands and some lovely offloading skills which I like in a number eight. A six is more of a competitive position where you're harder on the ball, a position I'd like to see Phepsi get better at.
"Phepsi is also a tough runner, we've seen that throughout the season and I've been encouraging him to have a real work-rate where he has a large influence on the game.
"Phepsi has probably been our stand-out forward this season so far, playing really consistent rugby."
Plumtree does however raise the point about competition for places, because there can never be any resting on laurels or reputation if there's going to be a drive for success.
"And then not forgetting guys like James Venter, Manu Tshituka, Nick Hatton and Tino Mavasere in that space as well, seven loose forwards I have a lot of time for.
"They [the incumbents] will have to play well because there are four other guys pushing. We have some really nice competition for those jerseys."
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