Plumtree threatens with the axe
Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:46
Taking his hat off to the team: Sharks coach John Plumtree. (c) gallo
Despite retaining a sizeable lead at the top of the Currie Cup log, Sharks coach John Plumtree said his side had let themselves down.
He was speaking after they relinquished a 24-13 half-time lead to lose 34-40 against defending champions the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld at the weekend.
"It was a pretty poor performance and we've disappointed ourselves. The game was there for the taking," Plumtree said.
The Sharks were disjointed after the break and, midway through the second half, the Bulls secured tries through Ruan Snyman and Jaco Engels within three minutes to gain the advantage as they romped home to their fifth win of the season.
"Conceding two soft tries the way we did, we let ourselves down big time," Plumtree said.
The Sharks won seven straight games after losing their first match of the competition to the Griquas and Plumtree said it would do his side good to face a little more pressure, taking them out of their comfort zone.
"It won't hurt the team to be a bit more on edge," he said.
They face the Pumas in Witbank on Friday and Plumtree said he would ring the changes after going down to the Bulls.
"I warned my players all week that I would be harsh on them," he said.
"There will be some changes next week because I have no tolerance for complacency."
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said they would take some time to enjoy a fine victory which keeps them among the top four on the table, but they are well aware that a place in the semi-finals is by no means a certainty.
"There are a lot of teams and this is a tough competition," Ludeke said.
"We will celebrate this win but, on Monday, we'll be back at training to put the hard work in."
The title holders face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday with everything to play for in a tight competition.
The Sharks are eight points clear, with 36, at the top of the standings and, while Western Province and the Cheetahs are equal with the Bulls on 28, the defending champions remain in fourth place on points difference.
Sapa
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