Hollywoodbets Sharks boss John Plumtree is excited at his side’s continual improvement after beating Edinburgh 23-13 in the United Rugby Championship at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
The victory, just the side’s third in the competition this season, saw them rise to 13th on the overall standings. It didn’t come easy, but the 58-year-old was happy that his charges remained in control despite not capitalising on their early supremacy in the first half.
“I was really pleased that we didn’t get frustrated at halftime, having dominated territory and possession. We started again well after halftime and built pressure again. The boys were ripping into their work.
“It was a difficult game, there was a lot going on out there. I thought they were very good at the breakdown, they scrambled hard for each other. They were tough to break down and I guess that’s why they are where they are [ninth] on the URC standings.
“But it was just good that we got over the line again tonight.”
The URC takes a two-week break over the next fortnight as the Challenge Cup resumes. With the competition representing the Sharks’ last chance at bagging silverware, as well as a ticket to next season’s Champions Cup, there is much to play for.
Ahead of this weekend’s round of 16 clash with Zebre in Durban, Plumtree has heaped praise on the way his team are putting their early season setbacks behind them and concentrating on finishing the campaign strongly.
“When we came back in a couple of weeks ago it was a big focus for us. We want to finish this season well; we want to do well at home for the fans. There are lots of things happening behind the scenes; we’re growing our game; we’re growing our leadership. So that’s very pleasing.”
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