Sharks coach John Plumtree, who declared himself "generally satisfied" with his team's impressive win over the Lions in the semifinal, has admitted there are some things the team will need to brush up on ahead of the Currie Cup Final against the Blue Bulls next Saturday.
The Sharks will host the Final in Durban on 25 October, giving both teams an extra week to prepare and also ensuring the extended build-up will be more intense. "At times I'd like to have been more accurate, there were a few turnovers we didn't cash in, as well as a few defensive errors," Plumtree said in an interview on the Sharks website, as he assessed the 29-14 win over the Lions at the weekend. "I'll never be happy, but it was a big semifinal, there was a lot of pressure all week with an opportunity to give the province a home Final. "There has also been a lot of pressure to front up to expectations, but we've managed to keep it all internal and focus on what we need to. "I'm proud of the way the team's being led, not only by the captain, but by the leaders in the team." With a two week break ahead of the Final, Plumtree admitted that it had its pros and cons. "I'd prefer to be kicking right into it," he explained. "It's going to be a long two weeks, but we will train hard and keep the intensity high." In terms of injuries he pointed out the good news that there were no concerns following the game against the Lions and that the Sharks should have everyone back. He explained that the extra week's break would be conducive to preparing the players for the big match. "Some guys need more fitness work and there will be rehab and physio for others. It gives us a chance to regroup, so there is a positive."365