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Sharks’ player Bismarck du Plessisis, who is injured, is likely to be rested for Saturdays Super Rugby curtain-call against the Cheetahs
Bustling Bismarck du Plessis has joined the ranks of the Sharks’ band of walking wounded and is likely to be rested for Saturday’s Super Rugby curtain-call against the Cheetahs, with a view to preserving him for a likely quarter-final clash overseas.
The hooker is battling a knee injury and will play off the bench according to coach John Plumtree, thus giving a start to the burly Craig Burden. Burden was sensational when given opportunities during the Sharks’ overseas tour.
Of the injured players who missed the victory against the Bulls, Willem Alberts, Patrick Lambie and Steven Sykes ran freely with the squad on Monday and yesterday and are likely to return to action.
Plumtree said young lock Pieter-Steph du Toit (ankle), who started against the Bulls, was a long shot, as was flanker Jacques Botes (shoulder). Sykes’s return will compensate for the loss of Du Toit.
The Sharks are hoping to boost crowd attendance for their final home match by offering two tickets for the price of one (R90 for two).
“You could see the benefit of a big crowd in our game against the Bulls. If we can get around 30 000 cheering us on, it really does help. That’s the big thing for us, the more support we have, the better we play,” Plumtree said.
He acknowledged that from a mental point of view, this was a tricky week after the high of the battle with the Bulls. The Cheetahs have nothing but pride to play for, while the Sharks have one eye on the play-offs and their potential opposition (and venue – Christchurch or Canberra).
“The players in the leadership group need to drive the focus. You can talk about it all week, but if the boys aren’t mentally up for it in the game, they can get hurt,” the coach said. “The South African derbies are always closely contested and you have to be prepared for that.
“I’d prefer it for the boys to be expecting it to be hard, as we know it will be,” Plumtree continued.
“The Cheetahs always provide tough competition, regardless of whether they are in the running or not. They will come here wanting to finish off on a high note. Pride is a big thing, so we will have to be on the money.”
