Why Plumtree can't coach Boks

Sharks forwards technician John Plumtree says that he would "love" to coach the Springboks, but the timing right now does not make it possible for him to join the national squad.

Plumtree along with Dick Muir had been asked to apply for the assistant coaching positions by Bok mentor Peter de Villiers as the new national coach attempts to assemble a competent support team.

While Muir has obliged, Plumtree has not as the Sharks would not release him from his contract, which expires later this year.

If Muir were to leave the Sharks as head coach, Plumtree could make a seamless transition and succeed the former Springbok centre, as he coached the team during the Currie Cup last season to a semi final appearance with a youthful squad.

"I would love to coach the Boks," said Plumtree.

"But, if Dick goes I'd be needed here as part of the succession plan. Unfortunately the timing is just out, so I won't be able to do so."

Speaking about how a dyed in wool All Black supporter like himself could switch over and coach the Boks, the Kiwi said: "Make no mistake I'm a proud New Zealander, but I've lived in South Africa for a considerable time and a big part of my heart is here.

Rugby these days is such a global game and if you look around there are foreign coaches involved all over the world."

Casting his eye to the Stormers challenge in this Saturday's all South African derby at the Absa Stadium Plumtree said, "Dickie and I were in Cape Town and saw the Stormers play the Bulls."

Plumtree said that he thought the Capetonians have really improved in their set pieces and said he was bracing his forwards for a colossal battle.

The Stormers have a tall lineout and while they could have been more accurate against the Bulls somebody like Andries Bekker dominates there.

They have an aggressive scrum with the front row of (Brian) Mujati, (Schalk) Liebenberg and (JD) Moller good scrummages."

Plumtree also warned of the threat Schalk Burger, Luke Watson and replacement hooker Schalk Brits pose as strike runners. The Sharks though have the personnel capable of subduing the Stormers threat.

Against the Force Johann Muller cleaned up at the lineouts as he poached ball at will while the scrumming was excellent.

The Sharks also drove well from their lineouts and the opening try of the campaign was the result of a 22-metre rolling maul.

"We played a tactical kicking game, had a good scrambling defence and our set pieces went really well. In these humid conditions this is the approach you have to take," he said.

Meanwhile, Sharks international flyhalf Frederic Michalak is expected to make his debut for the team this Saturday, after he pulled out at the 11th hour at the weekend with a tweaked calf muscle.

Muir would not risk the Frenchman in battle against the Force, but he should return to flyhalf with Frans Steyn dropping to fullback and Stefan Terblanche falling to the bench.

In other news it has been reported that Stormers fullback Conrad Jantjes has recovered from his thumb injury and will be fast tracked into the run on XV in place of Gio Aplon.

The only slight injury concern for Rassie Erasmus, is the knock to the ribs that Schalk Burger sustained in his teams 16-9 loss to the Bulls.

Kick-Off: 5pm; TV: SS1/M-Net

Stormers (possible): 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Luke Watson, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller