The Sharks resume their United Rugby Championship campaign with the Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of their coach, John Plumtree, but the experienced New Zealander says his imperiled future has anything to do with Saturday’s match against Connacht.
Greek mythology and its curse over those in power aside, the defiant Plumtree says he will fight for the Sharks until the end.
A month ago, the Sharks’ hierarchy released a statement that Plumtree would end his coaching tenure at the end of the season, even though just five matches of the 16-round season had been played.
It is a difficult position for the coach, and he said, “Navigating the large number of Springboks we have, has been challenging, and our recruiting model must change going forward.
“My attitude is that I will just keep going until someone tells me to stop. Right now, I am still here, and I am committed to doing my best,” Plumtree said.
“I always go back to what the Sharks mean to me, the people in this team. I still have the opportunity to coach players who are going to have a big role for this team and for South Africa.
“If I can play a role in that over the next six months or so (until the end of the season), and leave with my head held high, that is the most important thing for me.
“My late mother always said that the most important thing in life is to do your best, and I feel I have done that at the Sharks. That is the main thing.”
The big Kiwi has sprung a surprise by naming Griquas hero George Whitehead at flyhalf for the match in Galway.
Plumtree said of Whitehead, who is on loan to the Sharks: “The players have enjoyed him because of his knowledge of the game and his strong communication. There is not much that George has not experienced.
“It was interesting that when he came into our group, he knew our language, and knew our moves because he had studied us so hard. That was impressive.”
Plumtree said he had watched Whitehead closely in Griquas’ Currie Cup final defeat of the Lions earlier this year.
“I saw how well he controlled that game. He was good under the high ball, and you can see how he has time on the ball. He can get the ball into space by passing, running, or kicking.
“At 36, George is still a good athlete, and we can see he has a great work ethic.”
Sharks Team
15 Jordan Hendrikse 14 Edwill van der Merwe 13 Francois Venter 12 Jurenzo Julius 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 George Whitehead 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Manu Tshituka 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Matt Romao 5 Marvin Orie 4 Jason Jenkins 3 Hanro Jacobs 2 Fez Mbatha 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: Eduan Swart, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Mawande Mdande, Emile van Heerden, Phepsi Buthelezi, Grant Williams, Le Roux Malan, Hakeem Kunene.
