Frustration Mounts as Sharks Stumble in URC Loss
John Plumtree, head coach of the Sharks, expressed his frustration after the team’s 19-5 URC loss to the Ospreys in London.
This marked the third loss in their last four matches against Welsh opposition, and Plumtree believed the Sharks were their own worst enemies in the first URC match held in London.
Unraveling Discipline and Poor Decisions
Plumtree reflected on the game, saying, “So frustrating.
We started really well, scored a good try.
Our discipline wasn’t good enough, and we had to defend for long periods in our own 22.”
The Sharks had a promising start but struggled to maintain discipline and found themselves defending in their own territory.
Plumtree pointed out pivotal moments: “They came away with a try, and then we got a line-break, but poor decisions allowed them to intercept and score under the post.”
A soft try just before halftime left them chasing the game, trailing 5-19, compounded by a yellow card.
Self-Reflection and Improvement
Plumtree emphasized the need for self-reflection and improvement after a disappointing start to the URC.
He remarked, “We have to really look at ourselves.
As much as Ospreys deserved that win, I don’t think they were that much better than us.
We should be doing a lot better, so we have a tough week ahead.”
Plumtree stressed the importance of building confidence and addressing areas of concern that have been letting the team down.
No Excuses, Seeking Patience
While injuries and early-season struggles affect every team, Plumtree avoided making excuses.
He stated, “Everyone’s got some of their players out, we’ve got a couple of injuries as well, and it doesn’t help.
I still believe that we’ve got a good enough squad to do better than what we are doing.”
He called for patience, acknowledging the need for time to develop the team’s game.
Plumtree underscored the importance of improved discipline, better decision-making, and capitalizing on opportunities.
A Crucial Week Ahead
The Sharks faced a challenging week ahead, striving to find their confidence and build on their performance.
Plumtree stressed the need to regroup, prepare the team well, and seek better results in Italy.
He emphasized the importance of unity and confidence within the group, expressing the urgency to find that spark in the coming days.