Plumtree's Sharks won't underestimate ‘genuine threat' of Ospreys
'They can beat anyone on their day, and as we know, we can probably lose to anyone on our day.'
The Sharks have identified Daniel Kasende as one of the big threats in the Ospreys line-up. Picture:Needing just three points from two home matches against middle-of-the-table sides, the Sharks could be tempted to see their finish in the top four of the United Rugby Championship table as a foregone conclusion.
Their coach doesn't, however. The fourth-placed Durban side host 11th-placed Ospreys first at Kings Park Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 7pm).
The Welsh outfit has only won seven of 16 games so far this season, but John Plumtree highlighted that three of these were against Glasgow Warriors (second) and Stormers and Benetton, who have had more success.
Sharks could lose to anyone on their day
'I take every game very seriously, trust me. Ospreys… float around the top four themselves,' Plumtree told media after naming another star-studded side to play in the match.
'They've got Welsh internationals, they've got experience. They've got one of the better loose forwards in Jac Morgan. He's pushing a place at the British & Irish Lions. Dewi Lake is the Welsh captain. These guys are a genuine threat. They can beat anyone on their day, and as we know, we can probably lose to anyone on our day.'
He said it was good to play at home but the Sharks also have their own areas of improvement to be worked on.
'Often it's little skillset errors that are not under pressure situations where we are making errors. Those are the parts that are killing us the most.
'Sure, if your skillsets are put under pressure and an individual doesn't nail it, then that can be forgivable. But if it's not under pressure, then the expectation is we nail those moments and get back into our game whether it's attack or defence. That's the big challenge for the boys this week.'
Plumtree anticipates a great match against Ospreys
Plumtree said he was hoping for an 80-minute performance from the Sharks, rather than seeing more 'soft moments that are hitting us as a group'.
'These guys are a genuine threat. They will come here confident knowing they will bring their best game. We've lost to a Leinster side without stars, so they'll have their own aspirations and goals. It's going to be a great rugby match.'
The Sharks squad sees the return of World Rugby and SA Player of the Year nominee, Eben Etzebeth. He captains the side after pulling out of the 22–19 win against Ulster two weeks ago due to flu.
However, three Springboks miss out: Ox Nche (flu), Lukhanyo Am (swelling on knee), and Jordan Hendrikse (back issue) make room for Dian Bleuler, Siya Masuku and Jurenzo Julius, respectively.
In the opposition, Plumtree said they were well aware of the challenge a number of Welsh internationals posed, as well as former Cheetahs wing Daniel Kasende. '[He] has been playing very well for them,' the Sharks coach said.
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