Plumtree dejected as Sharks contemplate URC without Etzebeth

THE Sharks will be wondering if life in the United Rugby Championship (URC)n can get any worse after their hugely disappointing 44-17 defeat to Connacht on Saturday night was compounded by the red card to Eben Etzebeth late in the Boks’ match against Wales.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

On the eve of the match in Cardiff, Bok captain Siya Kolisi spoke out about the Sharks’ awful start to the URC, saying: “It is not good enough.

"It is embarrassing. We Springboks need to step up for the Sharks and show the same commitment to our provincial team as we do to the Boks.”

Kolisi made these comments when the Sharks were thirteenth on the URC log. They are now fourteenth, and this week travel to Toulouse for a daunting Champions Cup match.

While Toulouse will celebrate the return of national treasure Antoine Dupont, the Sharks will be without Etzebeth, who faces a lengthy ban for a moment of insanity late in the game against Wales. The video evidence is compelling — Etzebeth is seen making eye contact with Wales flank Alex Mann.