Because South African rugby has a foot in both the northern and southern hemispheres, it is in a unique position.
Internationally, the Boks are still playing in the Rugby Championship, but domestically, they have allied themselves with Europe as its top teams compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
But for the best players based in South Africa, that has essentially made it a 12-month season.
The URC competitors do not enjoy the same luxury as their Japanese counterparts, such as Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Malcolm Marx.
Plumtree is consequently concerned as the Springboks try to pull off an unprecedented three-peat at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia.
When he gave a warning to SA Rugby, Plumtree said, “Unless these guys are managed properly, you might not see it straight away, but there will be an accumulation over time, and with the World Cup coming up in three years, there’s a danger of some of our older athletes not being able to make it.”
“I think South Africa’s in a good position to handle [the rugby schedule]. No other country could, because we’ve got some really good depth and a lot of good players.
The Japan [club] season isn’t as hectic as ours and that’s a bit of a saving grace for the Springboks. But the Springboks who play in South Africa need to be managed well.
“And it’s not just about rest and playing rugby, it’s about rest and getting their bodies right by having a proper pre-season window when they can get fitter and stronger.
“It’s definitely something we have to look at, and it’s not something a coach should get into trouble for talking about.”
Plumtree’s comments come with the Sharks in the midst of an injury crisis.
Although Test trio Lukhanyo Am, Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi are among those who could return for their clash against Toulouse in the new year, the Durban outfit suffered further setbacks in their 24-20 URC defeat to the Stormers.
It was not a great day at the office on the injury front,” the head coach said.
“Emile’s knees are giving him trouble. He must be bulletproofed in a different way. Despite being an excellent player, he has suffered from injuries.
Julius [Jurenzo] had cramps. Both [Aphelele] Fassi and Andre [Esterhuizen] had been injured and had departed the field.
We did the best we could under the circumstances. Injuries are a thing at the moment. They seem to be haunting us a little bit.
“They are not one or two-week injuries. They are more like six to eight weeks. It is very stressful for the team
