New skipper Jean-Luc du Plessis is proud to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, Carel, and lead Western Province against the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.
The veteran playmaker is set to captain a youthful Province lineup bolstered by a number of DHL Stormers players in the Currie Cup north-south derby at Cape Town Stadium.
The son of the legendary ‘Prince of Wings’, the 28-year-old returned to Cape Town after a few seasons in Japan and featured for the Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this season before playing a key role in Province’s 2023 campaign.
Speaking during a WP conference on Friday, Jean-Luc, whose cousin Dan is also a prominent player at the union, told reporters: “WP rugby runs deep in my family’s blood. For me, to be captain of this great union is a privilege and something I’m looking really forward to.
“It comes in my preferred position, too. I’m used to having to provide on-field organisation in terms of how we play.
“I definitely spoke to him [Carel] to give him the good news. He had some advice. He’s always smart in the way he goes about it, though, he trusts me.
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“We’re cut from the same cloth in terms of the way we think, so we just shared a few moments. He told me to enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity.
“It’s about believing in myself, trusting my leadership capabilities. He obviously noted that I play in a position where decision-making will be important, but also told me to provide calmness and show composure.
“I believe I’ll be a good leader for this team and that the guys will follow. First and foremost, I need to do my job as the No 10 and then help build confidence and make sure we’re all sharp mentally.”
WP coach John Dobson also has full confidence in the leadership capabilities of the former Junior Springbok playmaker, adding: “This is the start, to step it up. We’re so lucky to have J-L back. He’s delivered a massive contribution to this union, not only recently, but over the past five years.
“At No 10, he can play very similarly to Manie [Libbok] in terms of our game model. He’s just a natural [leader] and so competitive. The wolf is in charge of the chickens now. Let’s see what happens.”
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