Plumtree regrets Sharks' missed opportunities but praises Bulls' defence in their URC semi-final win
The Bulls are through to the final against Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
'Overall, we were disappointed with our performance; we had plenty of opportunities to win the game,' Plumtree said. 'With five minutes to go before half-time, we put the Bulls under pressure, they conceded two yellow cards, but we were not good enough to finish them off.'
Plumtree said that it should have been closer to 15-15 at half-time. Instead, the Sharks were behind 15-3.
'After half-time, we felt that if we got our game going a bit more, and played a bit flatter on the gain line, we could up the pressure. We did that and scored a few nice tries.
'Later in the game, we were not good enough. Credit to the Bulls — their defence was outstanding, especially in defending their line. They had a massive crowd cheering them on, and that made it a pretty tough nut to crack tonight.'
Plumtree said the game lived up to the pre-game hype that it would be a South African clash of giants.
'It was very physical out there. There were a lot of injuries. I hope Cameron (Hanekom) is not too badly hurt,' Plumtree said of an unfortunate sight of the Bulls' No 8 being taken off the field on a golf cart.
'It was great to see so many people here tonight. We get the best URC crowds here in South Africa.
'From my side, I have loved this season with the boys to get to this point, but we are disappointed that we have not kicked on.
'We had plenty of territory and plenty of ball, but we could not convert it into points. We have to congratulate the Bulls. They were pretty good, and we were just a little bit off tonight.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Hot stepper! Young 'Cheslin Kolbe' goes viral at Craven Week
A South African primary schoolboy has been compared to an up-and-coming Cheslin Kolbe after a clip of him sidestepping during a friendly rugby game at Craven Week went viral on social media. Zedan Johnson of Rietkuil Primary School broke the internet with his quick 'goose steps' that has reportedly caught the eye of rugby scouts. While all eyes were on the pitch during Craven Week's fierce school rugby battle this week, little Zedan Johnson played his own game amongst his pals behind the posts. Facing opponents much bigger than him, the Rietkuil Primary learner was filmed zig-zagging with ease and speed to score a try in his makeshift game. His moves were widely compared to Springbok Cheslin Kolbe, who has been voted the best winger and scrumhalf of his generation. 'Nobody cares about Craven Week, and everyone is going crazy about this kid', posted TikTok user @brandensauerman. @brandensauerman The main event of the day😂 © 2025 [@Visua ]. All rights reserved. This video and its content are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this material is strictly the owner gives permission #cravenweek#rugby #schoolboyrugby ♬ original sound – 1xxfootball_ Another – @samedmonds92 – shared another clip of the young player, adding 'The next Cheslin Kolbe! No DNA, just RSA!'. Media personality Siv Ngesi also reposted a clip of the schoolboy, sharing: 'Give him a Springbok contract, put a scrum cap on him, and protect him till he is ready!' @samedmonds92 The biggest game at Craven Week today! The next Cheslin Kolbe 👏🏼 No DNA, just RSA 🥰👏🏼 #fyp #foryoupage #sama28 #southafrica #springboks #viral #trending #explore #tiktok #cravenweek @South African rugby @News24 @skolerugby ♬ original sound – Sam Speaking to Stadio Higher Education in a TikTok video, Zedan Johnson revealed his favourite player was…Cheslin Kolbe! 'Because he plays like me – nice!', he said of his role model. Zedan added that he wanted to play for the Springboks when he grew up, as 'they are the greatest team'. @stadio_higher_ed We caught up with Zedan Johnson aka Small, the boy who stole the show (and our hearts) at Craven Week with that Kolbe step 🏉💫 Hear what the future star has to say! 🌟 #STADIOHigherEducation #fyp #foryoupage #trending #explore #CravenWeek #sama28 ♬ The Champion – Lux-Inspira Like Zedan Johnson, Cheslin Kolbe also once shared his dreams of playing for the green and gold team. In an EWN sports feature in 2013, the baby-faced star – then just 20 years old – spoke about his goals as a rising rugby player. The winger had just signed for the Stormers – a 'dream come true' – and, despite his small frame, was hoping to make a significant impact on the pitch. Western Province coach John Dobson lauded the pint-sized player as 'outstanding,' while Stormers coach Allister Coetzee called him a 'gifted player.' Born into a community riddled with crime and drugs, Cheslin Kolbe decided to 'take a different path'. Known for his skill as a 'side-stepper' – which he has now honed to perfection – the eager player described his ultimate goal. 'My biggest dream is to become a Springbok', he said with conviction. He added: 'It doesn't matter about size and weight. It's all about the heart and mind. You can achieve anything you think you can'. Last year, Cheslin Kolbe was nominated for the World Player of the Year Award. He also won SA Rugby's Player of the Year Award. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Bachelor to husbae: Who is Mapimpi's wife?
For the first time since winning his second Rugby World Cup title and becoming a husband and father, Makazole Mapimpi has played a Springbok game in his hometown of Gqeberha. The popular player is known for his tragic upbringing, which included losing his parents and his two siblings. Mapimpi was part of the squad that beat Italy 45-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 12 July. On social media, Springbok fans have praised Makazole Mapimpi's mesmerising performance on the pitch in Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The 34-year-old was one of the men behind the Boks's impressive 45-0 defeat against Italy. He also made history by scoring his 33rd try in 47 test match appearances, making him the third-highest-ranked Springbok to accomplish the feat. For many, the proud moment was symbolic of Mapimi's 'homecoming'… Mapimpi had no doubt many South African rugby fans, including his wife, beaming with pride. Last September, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus dropped a major bombshell when he revealed that Makazole Mapimpi was both married and a father. Despite keeping his romantic life off social media, the Mdantsane-born player is married to a woman named Sasha de Sousa . Makazole Mapimpi and his wife, Sasha de Sousa. Images via Instagram: @swazisoil/ @makazoli Sasha is a well-known content creator who hails from Eswatini and uses the Instagram handle @swazisoil. According to her LinkedIn account, Sasha is the General Manager of Operations for an insurance company. Although she has never addressed being a Springbok WAG, Sasha follows her husband on IG and often likes his posts. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Back in business! MaMkhize heads up new soccer club
Shauwn Mkhize – also known as MaMkhize – has officially been named the president of the eSwatini soccer club, Mbabane Highlanders. This comes months after her South African team, Royal AM, was seized by SARS to pay off her R40 million debt. The club was later expelled from the PSL. The millionaire businesswoman has come under fire over her numerous clashes with the law, including tax evasion, fraud, forgery, and bribery. In a press release, Mbabane Highlanders, now named Mbalane Highlanders AM, confirmed that MaMkhize had become the club's president. In a video clip, MaMkhize revealed that she had added a 'touch of gold' and her signature 'AM', and that players of the eSwatini club would now wear black and gold. She said in a special welcome ceremony on Saturday, 12 July, of her new club allegiance: 'Today marks a new chapter, not a takeover but a partnership. A merging of histories between Eswatini and South Africa, rooted in shared ambition and excellence. 'Together, we will raise the standard, grow our talent, and bring this club the success it deserves. 'My promise is simple: I will lead with integrity, vision and heart. We're not here to participate, we're here to elevate'. Although the club has adopted many elements of the her Royal AM club, MaMkhize does not own the Swati counterpart. According to Sunday World, the businesswoman was given a three-year contract to manage the club. MaMkhize's deal with Mabalane Highlighers comes months after the bosses of fellow eSwatini club Moneni Pirates laughed off claims that she was their potential new owner. The reality TV star made headlines when she attended the club's Ingwenyama Cup final against Royal Leopards in Apil. Speaking to FARPost , Moneni Pirates president Thulani Xaba stated that he was unaware of any deal on the table. He said: 'I haven't spoken to or met her. There's nothing that has been spoken from my end to me…. I think it's just more mileage for her socials'. Xaba also shadily responded to MaMkhize's criminal allegations and implied that she was who they would wanted representing the club. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
