Vodacom Super 14
Sharks sweat over Bismarck
2009-01-28 06:45
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Stephen Nell
Cape Town – Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis is still struggling with the hamstring injury he sustained in the Test against Scotland at Murrayfield in November.
However, Sharks coach John Plumtree is hopeful that Du Plessis will be fit for the Sharks’ first Super 14 assignment against the Stormers at Newlands on February 14.
“I am optimistic that Bismarck will make it. He’s a tough man, so I won’t be at all surprised,” said Plumtree.
Centre Waylon Murray may miss the game because of a knee injury.
Plumtree has incredible depth at his disposal and therefore does not have to lose any sleep, even if it means Du Plessis can’t play.
No coach can ask for more than having Springbok captain John Smit play a utility role in his front row.
With regards his centres, Frans Steyn and Adrian Jacobs can still be paired.
The Sharks are holding closed trials on Friday night and that will give Plumtree another opportunity to examine his depth before announcing his squad for the Super 14.
Meanwhile, Plumtree is not reading anything into the criticism levelled at the Stormers scrum by Saracens coach Eddie Jones this week.
Jones said he would send Plumtree a message that he should not worry about the Stormers scrum.
“I know the Cape players and know that Gary Gold (Stormers assistant coach) will be working very hard on the scrums,” said Plumtree.