Coach John Plumtree says the Sharks are well prepared for their three-week European tour, despite missing key players.
The Durbanites kick off their Vodacom URC campaign in Glasgow on Friday night, before facing the Newport-based Dragons and defending champions Leinster.
Plumtree stressed the tour provides an early-season opportunity to test squad depth.
“There is a front row that hasn’t played together. There is also a lock pairing that hasn’t played together and a halfback combination that hasn’t played together,” he said on Monday.
“There are a few challenges, but we have prepared really well. We have put the players under as much pressure as we can, thinking best about what they will be exposed to in Scotland.”
Plumtree highlighted the importance of leadership in managing these challenges.
“Vincent Koch is a guy who leads by example. He will talk about it and then do it. There is good support around him with guys like Phepsi Buthelezi and Marvin Orie, and Lukhanyo Am and Edwill van der Merwe in the backline. It’s a good blend of leadership to help him.”
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The Sharks are navigating a long injury list and without several Springboks on Rugby Championship duty.
“I’ll only use the Springboks who really want to play and can perform for the Leinster game in round three,” said Plumtree. “We have to keep in mind the well-being of the players – they’ve been away [on national duty] for a really long time and we have to see what their mindset is like.”
Plumtree also emphasised the quality of the opposition they’ll face on tour, with Franco Smith’s 2023-24 champions among the strongest sides in the competition.
“Glasgow have a super style of play that doesn’t seem to have changed. It depends on how we respond. Last time we played up there [in April 2024], we had an inexperienced team, we played some dumb rugby and gave them a good start [Glasgow won 21-10].
“Playing a quality side like Glasgow in their own backyard is right up there with the best teams in the competition. It’s a challenge we are looking forward to, and the team we are putting out will give it a real go.”
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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