Sharks ready for Leinster's retaliation after disappointing African tour

THE Sharks are bracing themselves for a Leinster backlash in Dublin on Saturday after the champions lost twice in South Africa because of a “lack of physical intent”.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Those were the words of Leinster forwards coach Sean O’Brien, who, as a player, was coached by John Plumtree when the Kiwi served as an Ireland assistant coach.

Plumtree smiled when reminded of O’Brien’s call to arms for the Leinster forwards ahead of the visit of the Sharks.

“If Leinster felt they were lacking physical intent in South Africa, it’s the wrong country not to bring it to,” he said.

“That's a big part of the game, and you need it if you want to dominate collisions and the set piece.

“Neither will function without physicality.

“We're expecting them to up their physicality, especially with it being their first home game.

“Facing a strong Leinster team after a couple of losses adds a bit more spice to it. We feel like some fuel has been thrown on the fire.”

The Sharks won't be overly bothered by the war talk coming from the Leinster camp — while they haven’t yet won on tour, getting stuck in and showing grit has not been an issue.