'It's all about the win,' says Sharks coach Plumtree

THE Sharks have come in for some stick for their unattractive approach to winning United Rugby Championship (URC) matches but coach John Plumtree has made it clear that their aim is to win games rather than prizes for good fellowship.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

He has a point because the Sharks have risen from a 14th place finish last year to third this season and have earned the luxury of a home quarter-final against Munster today.

The Sharks are the only side in the top eight of the URC to have conceded more tries than they scored, yet they have shown enormous grit to grind out wins. Plumtree was asked if the quarter-finals are the time for his team to pull the trigger on their attacking game and win in style.

"We are not out here to entertain anyone," Plumtree said. "We are here to progress as a team and win matches. If that means win ugly, so be it."

In the Sharks' last game, they beat the Scarlets 12-3, with no tries scored, but Plumtree is unconcerned about outside pressure to up the try tally.

"There is enough pressure on the team without going into the change rooms and demanding more tries," he said. "We will get the job done, however that looks.