Plumtree at odds over Southern Kings' inclusion

Sharks coach John Plumtree is at odds with the South African Rugby Union over its decision to include the Southern Kings in Super Rugby next year.

New Zealand and Australia is adamant the competition can't be expanded to include 16 teams under the current SANZAR agreement so one existing South African franchise will have to go.

Plumtree says it was premature to include the Kings before the current broadcast deal expires in 2015.

"But unfortunately the South African Rugby Union made this announcement before they've gone through a detail of what can happen to the other teams, but that's how they operate over there so we'll just see what happens."

Plumtree says that's a thought they can't dwell on.

"That's an ongoing board battle and certainly there won't be any of the major franchise'll want to step down from Super Rugby if that happens and whatever franchise steps out will be the finish of them."

The Sharks face the embattled Blues at Eden Park tonight.