Resting Boks complicates Sharks’ return to full strength

Sharks coach John Plumtree was like a kid on break-up day after his team had transformed humiliation in Bordeaux into a triumph in Cardiff.

That was over a week ago, and among the first words he said after the 42-22 win was “I can’t wait to get some bodies back” – but it won’t be as simple as eliminating the 16-man injury list.

It has been confirmed that injured or not, the Sharks will rest all of their contracted Springboks over February.

Bok protocols dictate that the Boks must have eight weeks off over the course of the season, and it makes sense for the Sharks to knock off a block of four weeks over a month when they barely play.

The Sharks’ sole match over this period is the February 15 visit to the Bulls.

While it would be incorrect to say that Plumtree has written off those United Rugby Championship points – it is not in the Sharks’ DNA to meekly succumb – he likely has a bigger picture in mind.

The Sharks have back-to-back home-and-away games against the Lions at the beginning of March, and with several Boks likely back – including talisman Eben Etzebeth – these games will be regarded as non-negotiable wins.

But even for these two derbies, there are certain big names that could still be out.

The first match, on March 1 at Ellis Park, will be touch-and-go for André Esterhuizen and Ox Nche.

The former was seriously injured in the Sharks’ 24-20 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town after Jean-Luc du Plessis entered a ruck from the side and failed to use his arms.

It was a reckless challenge that resulted in the cancellation of a Stormers try, but it will still rankle with the Sharks that Du Plessis escaped censure.

Nche injured a tricep muscle against Bordeaux, and could be available for the second match against the Lions, in Durban. Bok fullback Aphelele Fassi could be ready for the same game.

About last night🔥@vodacom #URC #CARvSHA pic.twitter.com/AzjyEybskP

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) January 26, 2025

But most of the walking wounded should be fit by the time the Sharks resume training for the trip to the Bulls. This list includes the likes of James Venter, Corné Rahl and Emmanuel Tshituka.

The latter was in excellent form before picking up an injury early in the match against Cardiff.

Fortunately for the Sharks, the elder Tshituka, Vincent, had a great game and played a key role in his team’s much-needed win.

After the Lions matches, the Sharks have a week’s break before hosting Zebre.

That will be the perfect “warm-up” ahead of the big one against Leinster a week later, also in Durban.

That match will conclude the Sharks’ URC schedule, and Plumtree will hope they have done enough to secure a home playoff.

The Bulls, Lions and Sharks then turn their attention to the Challenge Cup, and the Sharks begin with an exacting overseas schedule.

They visit Lyon (April 6), Edinburgh (April 18) and Ulster (April 26). They conclude their pool matches at home, against the Ospreys and Scarlets in the first two weeks of May.