Sharks coach John Plumtree has said the current “12-month rugby season” could result in some of the older Springboks missing the 2027 World Cup.
The Sharks’ injury problems continued in Cape Town on Saturday, with Emile van Heerden, center Andre Esterhuizen and fullback Aphelele Fassi all suffering knee injuries in their 24-20 loss to the DHL Stormers.
Fassi’s injury appeared to be the most serious and Plumtree later confirmed the 26-year-old had gone to hospital for a scan.
“I didn’t have a good day at the office due to the injury. “And the injury lasts six to eight weeks, not one to two weeks,” he added.
Plumtree expects Boks Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams, Lukhanyo Am, James Venter and Vincent Tshituka to feature for the Champions Cup tie against Toulouse at Kings Park on January 11, including for 12 months of the year. . In both Southern and Northern Hemisphere tournaments – it will continue to take a toll on South African players.
“If you don’t manage these players well, it may not be noticeable right away, but it builds up over time and with the World Cup coming up in three years’ time, there is a risk that some of our older players won’t be able to play. that.
“I think South Africa is in a good position to handle (the rugby schedule). No other country can do that. Because we have really good depth and a lot of good players. The Japanese (club) season is not as busy as ours and that is a bit of a saving grace for the Springboks. However, the Springboks playing in South Africa need to be managed well.
“And it’s not just about rest and playing rugby, it’s about rest and getting their bodies right by having a proper pre-season period where they can get fitter and stronger.
“It’s definitely something we need to look at, and it’s not something the coach should talk about and cause an issue with.”
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Regarding Saturday’s loss, Plumtree admitted the Sharks didn’t handle key moments well and had to hold on for the win when they were up 20-17 with three minutes left.
A soft penalty on winger Ethan Hooker for colliding with Manie Libbok in the air gave the Stormers 20 meters from the resulting lineout before substitute center Jean-Luc du Plessis crossed from close range.
“We should never have allowed that attempt, I think our forwards were a bit tired,” Plumtree said. “We were also missing a few leaders at the end because everyone was off the field (including captain Siya Kolisi).”
Plumtree said Hooker’s yellow card just before halftime when the Sharks were ahead 10-5 was also a key moment in the game.
“After the break (with 14 men) we didn’t get much of the ball. I think I passed step 5 once. The Stormers started to play with more freedom.
“I thought our defense was great during that period. The players were really brave and I’m really proud of them.
“We also opened the Stormers a few times but we weren’t clinical enough.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
