Sharks coach dismisses Super final history

Sharks coach John Plumtree has dismissed his franchise’s record of Super Rugby final failures heading into this weekend’s decider against the Chiefs, but admits they face a massive task.

The Durban-based team arrived in Sydney on Monday and will head to Hamilton on Thursday.

Saturday’s game represents the fourth final the franchise has contested.

As Natal, they were beaten by the Blues in Auckland in 1996, the Brumbies had their measure in Canberra in 2001 and they lost at home to the Bulls in Durban in 2007.

“It’s not really relevant to this group. Two of those finals were overseas in a similar situation,” Plumtree told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

“If we can win down in New Zealand, it would be a massive effort.

“In 2007, we lost the final in Durban. We should have had it and blew it.

“We’ve had a little bit of experience with losing these big games.”

The Sharks will test the fitness of backs Pat Lambie and Paul Jordaan before finalising their side.

Plumtree and Sharks captain Keegan Daniel downplayed the travel factor which has taken the team from South Africa to Australia, back home and then to New Zealand.

“I think the body is used to travelling right now,” Daniel told reporters.

“The last three weeks we’ve travelled quite a bit, so I think the body just kicks back in.

“We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Sydney, so we’re used to the surroundings.”

New Zealand-born Plumtree, who like his Chiefs counterpart Dave Rennie, coached New Zealand province Wellington, believes adversity has steeled his side.

“No one’s probably expected us to get to this point – we’re doing it the hard way,” Plumtree said.

“It’s galvanising us – it’s giving us confidence.

“When we arrive in Hamilton, we won’t roll over and die.”

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