Shark’s semi-final is going to be held in England: Harkes head coach Plumtree said a lot of sacrifices were made behind the scenes as his side secured the semi-finals of the Challenging Cup.
Shark’s semi-final is going to be held in England
The Sharks will face French side Clermont in the last four after Plumtree’s side recorded a 36-30 win over Edinburgh in Durban in their quarter-final on Saturday.
Earlier this season in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, tournament organizers European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) confirmed that South African teams would only enjoy home-ground advantage until the quarter-finals.
It means the Sharks go on the road for their semi-final clash despite being top seed in the Challenge Cup.
After Saturday’s win over Edinburgh, Plumtree revealed the road ahead for his side, including the host city for the semi-finals.
“I feel great. I’m happy for the Sharks fans and our stakeholders here,” Plumtree said.
“We have many people around the world who follow us daily.
“It’s a big stage against a quality French team, so it’s something to build on for us.
“A lot can happen – we’ve got two games [in the United Rugby Championship] before that.
“The team is happy. Playing in Edinburgh again is always going to be a tough challenge and I’m really proud of the coaches.
“They worked hard and gave them a lot of time and I’m happy with the leaders and the way we adjusted in the second half.”
The Sharks were on the back foot for most of the first half against Edinburgh. The Scottish side dominated territory and possession and led 16-14 at half-time.
“One was our discipline and the other was our skill set. We were just turning the ball over and not playing well and it looked like our confidence was taking a bit of a beating and we had to defend quite a bit as well.
“I think we had 38% possession and territory, so we had no ball and no territory.
“What we did to them last time [in a 23-13 win on March 30] and now they’re doing it to us, we have to be more disciplined and win the referee.
“That was a huge message and just believing that if we can put some of our skill sets back and forth, we can top them.
“It was an easy story to tell at half-time. We just have to fix it.”
The Sharks now head to the UK for matches against Glasgow Warriors (April 19) and Scarlets (April 26). and Shark’s semi-final is going to be held in England
Shark’s semi-final is going to be held in England: Challenge Cup semi-final against Clermont takes place on the weekend of May 3-5.