Sharks closing out game pleases Plum

01/26/2025 02:53 AM

Coach John Plumtree praised his “impact players” after the Sharks’ 42-22 win against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Saturday.

The visitors led 28-10 early in the second half when hooker Bongi Mbonambi scored his second try, but Cardiff hit back with two tries to cut the gap to six points with 20 minutes to go.

The Sharks, though, killed off their opponents’ comeback hopes with two late tries.

"Really pleased with the result,” said Plumtree. “I thought Cardiff were excellent and played some good attacking rugby and stressed our defence on a number of occasions.

"Losing [flank] Manu Tshituka and [No 8] Nick Hatton early in the game put a lot of stress on our forwards, but I thought Deon Slabbert, having only been with us for a few days, did really well coming off the bench. [Lock] Jason Jenkins also adjusted well in the lineouts.

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“The critical thing in the last 15 minutes, was when we put the impact players on and how they closed the game out,” Plumtree added. “I thought the front row was excellent and obviously Lukhanyo [Am], Swys [Francois Venter] and Jaden [Hendrikse].

"I loved the way we closed out the game with the two late tries, but it could have gone either way.”

With the Six Nations kicking off next weekend, the Sharks will resume their URC campaign on 15 February against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus.

"A well-deserved break now for the boys and we look forward to getting back into it," said Plumtree.

Photo: Darren Griffiths/Gallo Images

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