Plum: Bordeaux pose same threat as Toulouse

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Sharks coach John Plumtree says playing Bordeaux Begles at the intimidating Stade Chaban-Delmas will be a "big test" for his team.

Bordeaux are currently top of both the French Top 14 and Pool 1 in the Champions Cup, with convincing wins against Leicester (42-28), Ulster (40-19) and Exeter (69-17) in the latter.

They're averaging four tries a game in the domestic competition and have crossed the line 23 times in Europe already.

The Sharks did well to restrict six-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse to two tries at Kings Park last weekend, and will need a similar defensive effort to come away with anything from the Bordeaux fixture.

"We were pretty happy with aspects of our defence against Toulouse," said Plumtree on Friday. "We scrambled really well on their linebreaks and kept them to 20 points after they'd been averaging something like 50 points a game. Joey [Mongalo, defence coach] has done a good job in that space."

Plumtree said Bordeaux had similar characteristics to Toulouse.

"Especially with transition rugby, which is from turnover ball. They are dangerous with loose balls from kicks and will be dangerous any time our defence is unstructured. We'll have to scramble well at times, like we did against Toulouse.

"They also have a big pack and will hammer away at the gain line.

"Bordeaux are the top team in France right now so it doesn't get any easier for us, especially in the intimidating home environment they've created here. It's going to be a big test for us."

TEAM: Plum changes playmakers for Bordeaux clash

Plumtree has made several changes to his side, with Grant Williams and Siya Masuku starting at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively in place of the Hendrikse brothers.

Masuku has made just five starts this season as Jordan Hendrickse established himself as the first-choice 10.

"It's a good opportunity for Siya and he's raring to go," said Plumtree. "He probably feels like he's got a point to prove.

"But at the end of the day, it will probably depend on what kind of ball he gets. It's up to the rest of us to make sure we give him plenty of options.

"I'd like to see him nail his basics, communicate well with the team and keep us on the front foot as much as he can."

MORE: Sharks brace for Bordeaux battle

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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