John Plumtree has made a bold move by selecting his strongest possible side to take on Edinburgh, following recent losses by both the Lions and Bulls to the Scottish team. Edinburgh managed to defeat the Lions with a score of 24-12 in the Challenge Cup round of 16, and later overcame the Bulls with a score of 34-28 in the quarter-final. The anticipation for the final match in the ‘Biltong Series’ was heightened by these victories, with South African-born Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt even joking about the name of the series while fully focusing on the upcoming game.
Plumtree expressed his confidence in the team he has assembled, with key players like Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am, and Aphelele Fassi returning from injuries to strengthen the starting XV. Grant Williams has also been included on the bench, adding to the depth of the squad which already boasts several Springboks. Despite these reinforcements, Plumtree remains cautious about facing a formidable Edinburgh side on their home turf, especially on an artificial surface that South African teams are not accustomed to.
The Sharks coach acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting Edinburgh’s current form and the strength of their lineup, which includes a pack of international players. He highlighted the exceptional performance of scrumhalves Ben Vellacott and Ali Price, emphasizing the overall balance of the Edinburgh team. Plumtree emphasized the importance of playing well in order to secure a victory in what he described as a massive task for the Sharks.
In preparation for the match, the Sharks have adjusted their strategy to account for the unique conditions of playing on an artificial 4G surface at the Hive Stadium. While the team has some experience on such surfaces, Plumtree acknowledged the differences in pace and bounce, which will require a shift in mindset, particularly when it comes to kicking tactics.
As the Sharks gear up to take on Edinburgh, Plumtree and his team are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. With a strong lineup and a strategic approach to adapt to the playing surface, they are focused on delivering a top performance to secure a crucial victory away from home.
