Sharks coach confirms Kolisi's late withdrawal against Bulls was injury-related

The Durban outfit are in the midst of an injury crisis with the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi and Lukhanyo Am unavailable for selection.

That was followed by the late withdrawals of Emile van Heerden, Dylan Richardson and Springbok captain Kolisi ahead of the game with the Bulls at Kings Park, which they still managed to win 20-17.

There was speculation that Kolisi's withdrawal might have been related to reports suggesting he wants to return to the Stormers, but Plumtree confirmed that his absence was down to injury and not his rumoured departure from the franchise.

"It's been a tough week. In terms of our preparation, it was just a nightmare," he said. "The poor old medical team, my doctor coming up the steps to tell me more bad news. It was just one of those weeks.

"But I was really proud of the effort."

Kolisi sustained a calf issue after the team was named for the Bulls clash, but Plumtree reckons that it is not serious and he could come into contention for their game next weekend against the Stormers.

"It's just about getting some bodies back hopefully. I'm not sure who they will be but hopefully Siya will be back in the frame next week, as well as Emile van Heerden and Dylan Richardson," Plumtree said.

"I'm guessing Ethan Bester will be out with concussion, so it's just about who's going to be available.

"Going to beat the Stormers in Cape Town is not an easy task. Even though it will be a slightly disrupted week with Christmas, the boys will go into the game with confidence."

The Sharks' absences up front meant they were dominated in the set-piece by the Bulls.

"In the set-piece, at times we were under real pressure. However, when we had to come up with the big plays we did," Plumtree said.

"There was one at the first half under our posts, where we had to stop them from getting a try, and one right at the end of the game.

"We know that [the Stormers] next week will come at us in those departments as well.

"Now and then the Sharks come up with a special performance and this was one of them."

READ MORE: Springbok star Kurt-Lee Arendse makes instant impact on debut in Japan