Plum backs youthful Sharks for Toulouse test

by | Dec 6, 2025 | African Golf News

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Sharks coach John Plumtree says his selection for Sunday’s daunting Investec Champions Cup opener against Toulouse is rooted in long-term planning.

Plumtree opted to rest their Springbok stars – including Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker – for the match in one of European rugby’s most intimidating cauldrons.

“All of our Springboks have been on a five-week tour of the UK, and there’s obviously a player-welfare element here,” he explained on Friday. “They spend so much time away from home and adding another week would just have hurt their batteries.”

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Plumtree, who will coach the Sharks for the last time on Sunday before handing over to interim coach JP Pietersen, said a crucial run of fixtures at home and providing opportunities to youngsters also played a part in their planning.

“We’ve got two massive home games coming up. However, that’s only part of it,” Plumtree explained. “It’s a pretty young group, as you see. A lot of players who are potentially going to play a lot of games in the Sharks jersey over the years are playing.

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“Some names you might not even recognise, but a guy like Matt Romao was excellent against Connacht. I think he’s going to be a star. Ross Braude gets an opportunity at scrumhalf, and marking a guy like [Antoine] Dupont, he is buzzing for this.

“Just being in Toulouse – a real rugby town – is unbelievable for the boys. It’s an experience they’ll never forget.”

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Plumtree knows the task is monumental.

“They’ve got size, they’ve got power. Our plan will be under massive pressure, but it’s important we stay in the fight the whole time. Whatever positive we do, we celebrate. We pick ourselves up and go again.

“We’ve shown the boys what the atmosphere will be like. These stadiums can be intimidating, but French crowds respect a good opposition. So it’s important we go out there, stick together and earn respect.”

“The expectation is that we go for 80 and walk away with respect. That’s the goal.”


Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

The post Plum backs youthful Sharks for Toulouse test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.