The match between the Blue Bulls and the Sharks was an intensely physical one where no quarter was asked or given by either team. The Sharks always looked in control of the match but did not do enough to score a fourth try and earn a bonus point. A win at Loftus can never be taken for granted and this was a very important win for the Sharks as they looked to keep in touch with the log leaders as the Currie Cup premier division passed the halfway mark.
It was a somewhat relieved John Plumtree that sat down for the post match press conference, saying “This was a very physical game, as it always is against the Blue Bulls and the there were plenty of sore bodies in the change room afterwards”. Regarding injury concerns he said “There are injury concerns for Charl McLeod (AC joint) and Eugene Van Staden” with both having to come off as a result of their injuries. Jean Deysel was seen hobbling toward the team bus on crutches but this was after the press conference and we were therefore not able to ask about the nature of the injury.
Regarding the scrums Plum said “My comments after the Lions game about how the scrums were refereed were as a result of frustration on my part which had built up over the past few weeks. I was happy with how Mark Lawrence refereed the scrums tonight.”
On the subject of the tight five Plum was pleased with the effort saying “The guys were tested last week against the Lions and did not stand up to it that well but this week I felt they really stood up to the challenge and dominated” adding “The work of the tight five allowed our loose forwards to dominate the breakdowns and we saw that in the penalty count.”
Commenting on the lack of the bonus point try he said “We have to keep growing our attacking game as well as our defense. We have grown a lot as a team so far this season and we will look to continue growing our attack and defense for the remaining six weeks. There is still a lot of work to do.”
When asked about the upcoming match against the Pumas and whether his team would target that match for a bonus point, Plum replied “No, we are just looking for the win first.” He added “The Pumas are a really good side, I can’t believe they haven’t won a match so far this season. They are another big physical challenge for us.” After being asked if he would consider giving some younger players a chance next week, Plum shot back “Mate, I’ll select the team on Monday.”
Well done to the sharks, you guys deserve that win. One positive for us is all the young telent. If Fouche had a beter it could have been a different ball game. It looks not too bad for the future for us. Enjoy your win.
@Bloubloubul (Comment 1) : Pine Pienaar was quick to defend Fouche which is also a good thing. He said he had a good apart from his place kicking and that he is a good kicker who had a bad day.
@war1 (Comment 2) :Agree with you. I like to mesure the youngster against each other. Wp flyhalf for me is one great talent and Fouche for the future hopefully he will be able to compete with guys like Lambi and Katrakiles.
@war1 (Comment 2) : It’s a pity Madam couldn’t accompany you to Loftus this time round, then we could have read a spiced up story about how the Bulls should be wearing 666 on their jerseys. But then again her boyfriend wasn’t playing, so I guess there was zero incentive to attend or hate on the Bulls
Tony Jantjies is not even ready yet
maybe we should give the greek a call.
Elton Jantjies looks the beez neez at the moment he is playing superb rugga.
@Muzi (Comment 6) : I don’t think Pine can afford to continue playing musical chairs with the flyhalves. Louis Fouche has offered the best of both so far – general play + place kicking.
However as much as Boshoff is the best man for getting the line going, he is also the most unreliable goalkicker.
Obviously I wud like to see Boshoff start and Brummer getting cut, for no other reason but to win our year+ long battle
I don’t think it will do any harm to inquire about the availability of Catrakilis. He’s playing good rugga. If it were my decision, I’d sign him for the Bulls.
Fouche was awful in general play as well, sorry to say.
Pleased with the win. Not pleased that they scored 4 tries and we didnt. The last 6 minutes the Sharks went to sleep. Dare I say they even looked a bit knackered behind the poles. Even lethargic. Oubaas Stef was strolling around the park as if he was looking for coins that he dropped.
But why complain if we secured the win. I sincerely hope to see a Bosman-Jacobs centre pairing next week. And Hoffman making a 80min appearance.
Great thoughts there @War1, as did yesterday this arti takes me back to the Bulls/SHARKS game in the S15….
@Bloubloubul (Comment 1) : yes it would have been a different ball game, might have kept the sharks more focused and the score line bigger…
@robdylan (Comment 9) : off all the resent promising flyhalfs I think Lambi(off cause) and Catakilis are the most consistent… The others are very up and down… Very talented but has to string more than 2 good performances in a row…
@Franshark (Comment 12) : Then maby you guys could have scored a bonus try against the young Bulls but still couldn’t. I say again the sharks beaten us. Just hope for you guys there is youth for you that comes threw the ranks
@Franshark (Comment 12) : Then maby you guys could have scored a bonus try against the young Bulls but still couldn’t. I say again the sharks beaten us. Just hope for you guys there is youth that comes threw.
@Bloubloubul (Comment 14) : Young Bulls team or not, not many of your “experienced” players at the WC are coming back next year. Bulls are in a building phase and will have to be patient.
@Ben (Comment 16) : Agree with you Ben and that makes me think of s few years back when we were in a building phase. The only mistake that the Bulls did wrong was by phasing youth in more erlier.
Only one good flyhalf in Pretoria at the moment, and he’s away with the Springboks. Don’t know anything about the younger Jantjies brother, but from the rest of the flyhalves, the only one I’d say that has a somewhat all-round game is Francois Brummer. He deserves more of a shot considering he’s had to spent the last couple of years just sitting on the bench and coming on for 2-3 minutes at the end. Would be surprised if he got more then 80 minutes this entire Super 15 campaign.
Fouche and Boshoff have been ‘adequate’. I would never back a Bulls side to win if they start either of them at SR level. Just aren’t at that level IMO.
Congrats Sharks.
How great was that Sithole try!!!!
I can’t remember the last time the Sharks created a clever backline move that created a try off 1st phase. That try alone made my Saturday. More of the same please Sharks!
@Muzi (Comment 7) : The problem is that Elton is playing against B teams. Wait until he has to go against the A team flyhalves in the Super 15 next year. But then I doubt he will, Butch will start for the Lions then.
That win was awesome.
Having gone to the game, I copped a lot of flak before the game about how the Bulls were going to destroy the Sharks. It was satisfying to be able to sit back with ten minutes to go and watch as the ‘loyal’Bulls supporters started to abandon ship with time still left to go.
Of course, there was talk about how the game would have been different if they had their Boks back. I had to remind them that after the World Cup the Sharks (and Province) will be getting a lot more players back than the Bulls.
The Bulls will be back though.
@Bloubloubul (Comment 1) : That’s always one positive about the Bulls is that they really bring the young players through.
The Bulls problem at the moment is that you had so many players who are all one in a generation playing for you guys who have moved on and it will take a little time to bring players into those positions. (I won’t say replace because how could you replace a Fourie du Preez who will always have his place in the story of the Bulls (and Boks)).
@Butchie34 (Comment 20) : Agreed 100% . . .
What happened to the Frans Steyn rumour? He gonna join the Lions after WC or not?
@Muzi (Comment 7) :
hey your not allowed to complement elton on this site
on another note . well played sharks . you guys looked much better then the Bulls !!! i would be very worried if i where a bull supporter . this is close to the team they will be using in super rugby next year barring one or 2 players
@Butchie34 (Comment 20) :
Elton had a few good games towards the end of the Super 15 . Besides the Lions ended second last on the Super log . its not like our team is really on super rugby level YET …
But you need to take the step up . If Elton can have good games against so called B – teams then how could he be taken up 2 Super Rugby Level .
@Original Pierre (Comment 23) :
hey who let you out of your cage ??? still sour about loosing against a lions team … ?
Is no one else worried about Deysel’s knee
Or did we not read the article? 
Sharks forwards are looking good as always, Bosman needs to play like that more often
@Franshark (Comment 13) : catrakillis isnt what he is made out to be ,his passing game is not up to scratch and i think he will be found out soon