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John Plumtree didn’t mince his words after the Sharks’ heavy defeat to Benetton in Treviso on Saturday, bringing their three-week tour to Europe to a frustrating end.
Benetton, steered by former Sharks fullback Rhyno Smith who scored twice, dominated the 38-10 Vodacom URC round 4 victory over the Sharks at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo. Smith accounted for two of the hosts’ five tries, as the Sharks struggled to find any rhythm.
The visitors fell behind early with three first-half tries by Benetton and couldn’t recover from numerous handling errors and a lack of clinical execution.
“We weren’t good enough tonight [Saturday],” Plumtree was quoted post-match from Treviso. “We had too many unforced errors at crucial times – particularly in their 22m area when we had opportunities to build pressure.”
RECAP: Rhyno stars as Benetton sink sloppy Sharks
“Particularly in the second half we had territory and possession and we just weren’t clinical enough,” the head coach added. “It’s something we’re going to have to really look at, we were nowhere near ruthless enough.”
The Durbanites’ defensive lapses allowed Benetton to finish with five tries, while their only points came from a Siya Masuku penalty and a late consolation try by replacement prop Ntuthuko Mchunu.
“I thought Benetton’s defence was outstanding…we didn’t handle that well,” Plumtree added. “We’re just all looking forward to getting home with the families… and looking forward to having a home game.”
The Sharks, having bounced back from an opening round defeat to Connacht in Galway with a dramatic bonus-point win at Welsh club Dragons, will regroup for a tough clash against defending champions Glasgow Warriors at Kings Park next Saturday.
Photo: Roberto Bregani/Gallo Images
