Sharks coach John Plumtree (File)

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Phokeng - The Sharks are making the best of the time they are spending at the Bafokeng Sports Campus in Phokeng and look set to return to Durban in great shape for the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, coach John Plumtree said on Thursday.

“We are in better shape than we were this time last year and we think we have a better squad even though we know there is still a lot of hard work to do,” said Plumtree.

Speaking from the Royal Marang Hotel which hosted England during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Plumtree said that his team had been putting in the extra yards, but that they also took time out to enjoy their surroundings. “This facility is outstanding,” he said.

“The food is really good and the beds are really comfortable - which is important for these boys,” he quipped.

“It has been a bit hectic in terms of work load but that is why we are here, but we have also been able to have some relaxation and fun time together as a team.”

Plumtree said that they were not looking to reinvent the wheel by travelling so far away from their comfort zone.

“Our preparation has not been too much different than what it has been in the past.”

One of the differences is that the team is a stone’s throw away from the world renowned Sun City golf courses while the brand of soccer played at the Royal Bafokeng stadium on Wednesday provided some good entertainment.

Looking to the first matches of the year, Plumtree said that he is confident all his men will be ready.

“We still have a few niggling injuries that we’ve got to get sorted out, but we are hoping that by the time we get to the Neo Africa Tri-Series down in Cape Town everyone will be ready to go.