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Christo Buchner
Johannesburg – Sharks coach John Plumtree is playing a psychological game with his players to get them motivated for Saturday’s Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls in Durban.
It is being widely stated that Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw will make mincemeat of Steven Sykes and Alistair Hargreaves, and that is where the seed will be planted for a Bulls win.
However, that is precisely what Plumtree wants to hear. You can bet your Ferrari that Plumtree will ensure his two young locks will get to hear about it.
“It will serve as motivation,” he admitted.
“It’s a great opportunity for Alistair and Steven to measure themselves against guys like Bakkies, Victor and Rossouw.
“They now have the chance of proving their mettle against the best in the business, and to ensure they win their own lineout balls and also do well at kick-offs.
“It’s important phases to secure possession. While the pressure is on our locks, it’s also a great opportunity for them to stand out.
“I want my players to focus on the things we have done up until now to that got us into the position of having the privilege of hosting a semifinal.
“We have spoken about many things this week and are encouraged by the good rugby we have played to finish at the top of the log.
“If we see enough of the ball and manage to hold onto it, we can place the Bulls under pressure. It will also be important to take them on physically.
“We realise the magnitude of the challenge ahead. The Bulls are not the Currie Cup and Super 14 champions for nothing. But that puts a little pressure on them. Everybody is talking about them as the big favourites to beat us. Even so, my players are looking forward to the opportunity of measuring themselves against the Bulls’ big names.
“I hope Bismarck du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira will carry the ball better than last week. If you can manage that, it becomes easier to retain possession at the breakdowns and get over the advantage line.
“Against the Bulls you know that you have to take them on physically, otherwise you stand no chance of winning. That is what this semifinal will be about. You will have to be tough up front and get the ball on the front foot.”
Johannesburg – Sharks coach John Plumtree is playing a psychological game with his players to get them motivated for Saturday’s Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls in Durban.
It is being widely stated that Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw will make mincemeat of Steven Sykes and Alistair Hargreaves, and that is where the seed will be planted for a Bulls win.
However, that is precisely what Plumtree wants to hear. You can bet your Ferrari that Plumtree will ensure his two young locks will get to hear about it.
“It will serve as motivation,” he admitted.
“It’s a great opportunity for Alistair and Steven to measure themselves against guys like Bakkies, Victor and Rossouw.
“They now have the chance of proving their mettle against the best in the business, and to ensure they win their own lineout balls and also do well at kick-offs.
“It’s important phases to secure possession. While the pressure is on our locks, it’s also a great opportunity for them to stand out.
“I want my players to focus on the things we have done up until now to that got us into the position of having the privilege of hosting a semifinal.
“We have spoken about many things this week and are encouraged by the good rugby we have played to finish at the top of the log.
“If we see enough of the ball and manage to hold onto it, we can place the Bulls under pressure. It will also be important to take them on physically.
“We realise the magnitude of the challenge ahead. The Bulls are not the Currie Cup and Super 14 champions for nothing. But that puts a little pressure on them. Everybody is talking about them as the big favourites to beat us. Even so, my players are looking forward to the opportunity of measuring themselves against the Bulls’ big names.
“I hope Bismarck du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira will carry the ball better than last week. If you can manage that, it becomes easier to retain possession at the breakdowns and get over the advantage line.
“Against the Bulls you know that you have to take them on physically, otherwise you stand no chance of winning. That is what this semifinal will be about. You will have to be tough up front and get the ball on the front foot.”
