Preview

Yesterday at 07:05 AM

Tonight's second round Investec Champions Cup clash between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Leicester Tigers in England presents the perfect opportunity for the squad depth to raise their hands.

While the team is missing a number of Springbok frontline players, Head coach John Plumtree has rewarded those who push for jerseys every week and now get the chance to prove their worth.

"I believe absolutely that this team can go out and beat Leicester, there are some really good players in this team and some good young players coming through.

"The expectation for us is that every time they run across the white line in that jersey, they are going to win.

"Certainly they'll get A for effort, and anything can happen in a game. If you get beaten by a side that played better on the day, then good on them, but I certainly don't expect us to roll over. As tough as it's going to be, we know that if we can force our game on them and defend really well and our set-piece can function properly, then we have a chance.

"The boys have had a good week, we're here and I'm looking forward to seeing how they go."

For Plumtree and the Hollywoodbets Sharks brains' trust, this game has an important role to play for the union.

"This is a good opportunity for those players, and a good opportunity for our fans to see some of the depth we have coming through because that's the lifeblood of our team over the next few years.

"For them to get an opportunity on a big stage like this, it's one they will want to take. We have so many quality young players, they've been hanging on for an opportunity and now they get one."

This week is all about overcoming adversity. Missing many of their Boks, overseas travel, a different climate and a very strong opponent, the challenges abound for the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

"It's been a challenging week for all of us, a chaotic start, but since we've been here, it's been great. The weather has behaved, the boys have enjoyed their prep after the long travel and they all seem to be in a good mood and looking forward to the game," said Plumtree.

Leicester, currently third in the English Premiership, will no doubt bring a wealth of talent and experience, along with a desire to secure a home win after dropping points in their first round loss.

"Playing against a player of the calibre of [Springbok and Leicester flyhalf] Handre Pollard, we have designed a plan around how we deal with his skillsets. But we're not solely focused on one player, Leicester have more than one threat.

"We'll have to play well and hopefully put pressure on him. Certainly that's one of the challenges."

Although there's a massive swing in temperatures between Durban and Leicester, the players are excited about not having to deal with 40C temps.

"The boys are looking forward to playing in cooler temperatures after the heat of Durban. We don't change our game plan though, it's designed around a game we can play regardless of the weather.

"The challenge for us is executing our game plan. If we do that, we have enough quality players in this team [to win]."

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