Sharks coach opens up on World Cup winner's injury

The Springbok hooker left the field just minutes into the Rugby World Cup final in Paris after All Black Shannon Frizell accidentally rolled on his knee while clearing at ruck time.

Mbonambi has since been added to the Sharks' rather lengthy injury list, which includes fellow World Cup winner Vincent Koch who also has an undisclosed knee niggle. Speaking to rugby365.com on Wednesday, Plumtree provided a short but significant update.

"Vincent will be back after three months... Bongi a bit longer," said the Kiwi.

"It could be the season, unfortunately."

However, the Sharks' other Springboks - Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams and Lukhayo Am - will be ready to go following their compulsory three-week post-World Cup rest.

Plumtree revealed that he hadn't been on the phone to his World Cup heavyweights just yet. The experienced coach said it was important to give them the space and respect they deserve in the wake of a whirlwind few weeks since Paris.

"I have left them alone," he continued.

"It was really important that they didn't get a phone call from me. They don't want to hear from me yet, but next week they will be hearing from me.

"We will get them back into training and see where they are at individually.

"Coming back from a high like that, it is going to be difficult. They will all be different. We will assess them and that will determine how we integrate them."

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