Finding the right balance in their next couple of matches could be the key to the Sharks challenging for trophies in the URC and European Challenge Cup. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Sharks and head coach John Plumtree are at a tricky crossroads in their season as they prepare to restart their United Rugby Season (URC) campaign following the Six Nations break.
Boosted by the return of key players, with more set to make a comeback in the coming weeks, Saturday's encounter with Zebre Parma in Durban could be a crucial one.
They are in a comfortable spot on the URC log, but selecting their team for the next couple of games, including playing Leinster and a Challenge Cup knockout match, could keep Plumtree awake at night.
He must find that balance with his side to be able to front up in both competitions. They will look to navigate the URC run-in successfully in the hopes of securing a home playoff. But there is also the fact of defending their title in the Challenge Cup.
The latter will almost become less important if the Sharks stay in the top eight of the URC until the end of the season. They will then automatically qualify for Champions Cup rugby next season. It will still be a priority for Plumtree's men to try and defend their European crown.
That's why striking a balance between the sides he selects over the next couple of games will be important.
The encounter with the lowly-placed Zebre will likely allow the Durbanites to give their returning players some game minutes to see where they are at. When they face Leinster at Kings Park in two weeks, there will be little room for experimentation and their strongest side must play.
The Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Lyon in France will probably provide the biggest selection headache.
The Sharks’ immediate focus will be on successfully navigating the challenge of Zebre. After that, it's on to Leinster who could be reinforced by some Irish internationals after traveling to South Africa without them.
Some rest and recovery followed the tough local derbies, but they’ll be geared to keep pushing in the URC. They are within reaching distance of second place on the log and can cement their place in the top four with a victory.
