Sharks ready for Leinster's retaliation following disappointing South African URC tour

The Sharks are bracing themselves for a Leinster backlash in Dublin on Saturday after the champions lost twice in South Africa because of a “lack of physical intent”.

Those were the words of Leinster forwards coach Sean O’Brien, who, as a player, was coached by John Plumtree when the Kiwi served as an Ireland assistant coach.

Plumtree smiled when reminded of O’Brien’s call to arms for the Leinster forwards ahead of the visit of the Sharks.

“If Leinster felt they were lacking physical intent in South Africa, it’s the wrong country not to bring it to,” he said. “That’s a big part of the game, and you need it if you want to dominate collisions and the set piece. Neither will function without physicality.

“We’re expecting them to up their physicality, especially with it being their first home game. Facing a strong Leinster team after a couple of losses adds a bit more spice to it. We feel like some fuel has been thrown on the fire.”

The Sharks won’t be overly bothered by the war talk coming from the Leinster camp — while they haven’t yet won on tour, getting stuck in and showing grit has not been an issue.

O’Brien added that a host of Ireland internationals will be sifted into the matchday 23 over the next week or so, while the Sharks welcome back Springboks Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch.

“The Springbok guys joined us on Sunday in Dublin and have added some lovely energy to the squad,” Plumtree said.

Hooker had a strong Rugby Championship on the left wing, but Plumtree says it is only a matter of time before the 22-year-old is used at centre — the position in which he was a star for Westville Boys’ High.

“I think over time we’ll see Ethan move back into the midfield,” the coach said. “We’ve seen that with a lot of quality players in South Africa — Frans Steyn is one example. He started on the wing, then moved to midfield and even played 10.

“As Ethan gets more confident at this level and develops his skill set, playing at centre will be an option for us. He’s got all the attributes to be a real quality midfielder, and I know that’s where he wants to be.”

Plumtree added that Hooker and Mapimpi will be invaluable in the inevitable aerial battle.

“The modern game isn’t just about set-piece dominance — the kicking game is like another set piece,” Plumtree explained. “Often, the team that wins that aerial battle wins the game, because you get unstructured defences and can create danger on attack. They are both really good in the air, as is full-back Edwill van der Merwe, so we’re happy with that back three.”

For this final week of the tour, Plumtree has chosen not to call up Springboks who carried a heavy workload during the Championship. In that bracket are Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and Eben Etzebeth.

Those players are likely to feature in the Sharks’ first home game of the year next week against Ulster, with the probable exception of Etzebeth — his wife is due to give birth to their second child next week.

“It’s a massive occasion for Eben’s family, so it’s important that if he plays against Ulster next week, his mind is right on the job,” said Plumtree. “If it’s not, then he won’t play. We’ll make that call closer to the time.”

Sharks team for Leinster

15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23Francois Venter.