Plumtree satisfied with Sharks’ internal trial

“In general, the game had some moments and there was some great continuity with offloading, so there was some quite nice play,” said Plumtree.

“There was also obviously a fair bit of rustiness in terms of the arriving ruck players, so there were some penalties and free kicks which was a bit disappointing.”

“But the referees are going to come down harder on the attacking arrival players if they go off their feet or for poor entry.

“But there were some good moments in the game,” Plumtree said on the Sharks website.

The Sharks were divided into two teams – the Raggies and the Zambesis – and one stand out feature was Springbok winger JP Pietersen playing at centre.

“The players in the Raggies team didn’t get many chances, they were OK but didn’t get enough opportunities.

“We’ve still got the games against Boland and EP Kings, but what was really nice to see was the way Pat Lambie came onto the ball and I thought JP combined really nicely with Meyer Bosman, I thought that partnership looked good. I thought JP (at centre) was excellent.

“Tim Whitehead and Paul Jordaan didn’t get a lot of opportunity. In terms of the outside backs, there was quite a bit of width to the game and I thought Lwazi Mvovo had a couple of good moments.”

Plumtree believes that moving JP Pietersen to outside centre is a move that could benefit both the Sharks and the Springboks.

“It’s something he’s excited about which is the main thing, it’s not really about me.”

“If he wasn’t interested, it wouldn’t happen. We’re giving him the chance, we’re still in the baby stages, but if he’s keen to have another go, then we’ll do it.”

“If it comes off, it would mean not having to bench a Sithole, Mvovo or Ndungane.”

“It also gives the Springboks extra firepower with Jaque Fourie in Japan.”

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