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Durban - Sharks coach John Plumtree says they did not have enough time to fully integrate their returning World Cup Springboks into their structures after they were humbled 42-16 by the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup final.
Plumtree feels things could have been different if the returning Boks had more time to adjust since returning from New Zealand, as they struggled to fit in seamlessly with a different squad and style of play.
“It is always a challenge to get them back, more so with what happened to them in New Zealand, and we could not get there quick enough in terms of fully re-integrating them,” Plumtree told Sharks website editor, Michael Marnewick.
“The same thing happened to (Western) Province, they could not gel quick enough. The Lions have kept the momentum going and the side that is not affected by the Springboks is the side that benefits.”
Plumtree nevertheless acknowledged that they were beaten by a better team on the day and congratulated the men from Johannesburg.
“We were just outplayed by a better side. It's been a long season and there's some wear and tear after a lot of rugby. But I don't want to use anything as an excuse, I don't want to take anything away from the Lions, they deserve the trophy. They're a good side that have learned how to be disciplined and how to defend, and they're good on attack too.
“There are no more excuses, the Lions are back," said Plumtree.
Plumtree feels things could have been different if the returning Boks had more time to adjust since returning from New Zealand, as they struggled to fit in seamlessly with a different squad and style of play.
“It is always a challenge to get them back, more so with what happened to them in New Zealand, and we could not get there quick enough in terms of fully re-integrating them,” Plumtree told Sharks website editor, Michael Marnewick.
“The same thing happened to (Western) Province, they could not gel quick enough. The Lions have kept the momentum going and the side that is not affected by the Springboks is the side that benefits.”
Plumtree nevertheless acknowledged that they were beaten by a better team on the day and congratulated the men from Johannesburg.
“We were just outplayed by a better side. It's been a long season and there's some wear and tear after a lot of rugby. But I don't want to use anything as an excuse, I don't want to take anything away from the Lions, they deserve the trophy. They're a good side that have learned how to be disciplined and how to defend, and they're good on attack too.
“There are no more excuses, the Lions are back," said Plumtree.
