Sharks need to be more disciplined

John Plumtree believes his young Sharks players will be better for the experience of last week's defeat by the Lions when they come up against the Blue Bulls.

The Sharks lost 28-19 to the Lions because poor discipline led to a slew of kickable penalties against them.

Plumtree believes the speed at which the Lions played pressured his inexperienced players into avoidable mistakes.

"Obviously, ill-discipline was a major factor," Plumtree said. "Some of younger players got stressed with the intensity and we saw some basic defensive errors.

"We have to remember that the Lions are the same side who played in Super rugby.

"On a good day, with beautiful conditions for rugby and the intensity and speed of the game, some of our younger guys battled to adjust. But they'll be better for it.

"Accurate kicking from [Lions flyhalf] Elton Jantjies meant we couldn't afford to give away penalties in our half, but we did.

"When we've been at our most disciplined this year, we've played very well, but when we've concede a lot of penalties we haven't played well."

No8 Ryan Kankowski is out of the Sharks team with a broken thumb.

The Bulls are having a minor resurgence after losing three of their first four matches. But with the return of several Springboks and growing understanding and belief among the new players in the dynamic Loftus system, the Bulls have won their last three matches in a row.

Dewald Potgieter has been included in the team to face the Sharks after a broken nose sidelined him from the last two fixtures.

Coach Pine Pienaar also recalled Bjorn Basson and Juandre Kruger, who missed last week's clash against the Leopards due to flu and an ankle injury respectively.

Francois Brummer was brought back into the fray in the only change to the bench.

Plumtree expects another tough day in Pretoria. "We know what a massive challenge it is at Loftus, but victory is achievable for us if we play good rugby," Plumtree said.

"We've made something like 300 more tackles this year compared with last year's campaign. That gives a slight indication of how much more defensive work we're doing. We have got to get our attacking game going."

CURRIE CUP FIXTURES:

TOMORROW

Nelspruit: Pumas vs Lions (7.30pm)

SATURDAY

Kimberley: Griquas vs WP (3pm)

Potch: Leopards vs Cheetahs (4pm)

Loftus: Bulls vs Sharks (5.05pm)