It doesn’t matter how we win

Sharks head coach John Plumtree has made it clear that style will take a back seat to substance when his side hosts Munster in the URC quarter-final at Kings Park on Saturday.

“We are not out here to entertain anyone,” Plumtree said in a press conference on Friday. “We are here to progress as a team and win matches. If that means win ugly, so be it.”

The Sharks finished third on the log after a strong home campaign, suffering just one loss in Durban this season. But recent performances haven’t been polished — they battled to a 12-3 win against Scarlets and were pushed hard by Ospreys before pulling away late to win 29-10. Despite that, Plumtree insists there’s no pressure to play expansively.

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“There is enough pressure on the team without going into the change rooms and demanding more tries,” he said. “We will get the job done, however that looks.

“We have set the team some goals around what we are wanting to achieve. None of them are based on scoring 20 or 30 points, I can promise you that. We strive to win games of rugby, no matter how that gets done. We want our set piece to dominate and defence to function.”

With conditions in Durban potentially wet and pressure high, the Sharks boss knows the match will be about seizing small moments rather than showcasing flair.

“When the ball is wet along with the pressure from the opposition, it’s always going to compromise our skillsets,” he explained. “But if we get the territory, possession and fast ball we want, we will nail some of those moments.

“A massive part of these contests is keeping the TMO away from making any big calls that affect both teams and the outcome.”

Team selection has received a timely boost, with Lukhanyo Am returning at outside centre to earn his 100th cap for the franchise. Jordan Hendrikse replaces the injured Siya Masuku at flyhalf, while Siya Kolisi is back in the No 8 jersey.

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“It’s good to get some guys back, including Siya Kolisi,” Plumtree said. “The intensity has been great in our sessions, which is what you would expect with a game like this.”

“It has been disjointed, but we haven’t let that bother us. Our goal was to put pressure on Glasgow on the log, which meant a good tour and finishing strong at home.

“It wasn’t the prettiest rugby to watch, but we achieved that goal. We are right where we need to be and are looking forward to the rest of the season.

“I respect what Munster have achieved. Our focus is on playing at home, and progressing in the competition. It’s going to come down to who wants it the most and who takes their opportunities on the day.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images