Plum loves Sharks loosie combo

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The Sharks' loose-forward combination for Saturday's Vodacom URC match against Zebre at Kings Park excites coach John Plumtree.

Siya Kolisi will captain the team from No 8, with Phepsi Buthelezi again selected at openside flank. Vincent Tshituka replaces Lappies Labuschagne at blindside flank in the only change among the forwards.

"I love that combination," Plumtree said on Friday. "Their skill sets complement each other, particularly in attack. All three can jump in the lineout and all three are good defenders. They're tough, rugged rugby players.

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"Not forgetting that James Venter is coming off the bench, and we've got Manu Tshituka and Nick Hatton in that space as well,” Plumtree added. “Those are six loose forwards I've really got a lot of time for at the Sharks.

"I particularly like this combination, but they will have to play well, because you've got three other guys – and not forgetting Tino [Mavesere] as well.

“You've got some really nice competition for those jerseys."

Plumtree explained why he was playing Springbok flank Kolisi at the back of the scrum and Buthelezi, who has spent most of his career at No 8, at openside.

"I like Siya at eight because of the skill set he has on attack. We saw that lovey little touch he made on the sideline to put Jurenzo [Julius] away against the Lions [at Kings Park]. He's got quick hands and some lovely offloading skills, which I like in an eight.

"I think Phepsi can play eight comfortably, but I'd like to develop him more as a six.

"Six is a competitive position, you're harder on the ball and it's a position I'd like to see Phepsi get better at.

“Phepsi is also a tough runner, we've seen that throughout the season, but I've just been encouraging him to have a really solid work rate where he has a large influence on the game.

"Phepsi's probably been our standout forward so far this season – he's been consistently playing really good rugby – but I'd like to see him development more in that six spot."

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

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