Morne du Plessis, Carel du Plessis, Bob Skinstad, Corné Krige, Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers. All legends of Springbok, and more importantly here in the Cape, Western Province rugby.
Men who thrilled Newlands on Saturday afternoons and led “Prooovince” as if their lives depended on it. For being a WP captain is not an honour bestowed on just any player. The individual requires a certain amount of panache to go with his talent, as the faithful always expect something extra special from their leader.
Juan de Jongh has been shouldered with the responsibility of reclaiming the golden Currie Cup crown that was once the sole possession of the blue-and-white hoops in the mid-1980s this season. De Jongh certainly has all the attributes befitting a Province skipper, with that side-step causing the fans on the terraces to gasp for air every time the twinkle-toed centre glides through the opposition’s defence.
With Province returning to their traditional flamboyant style of rugby this season after a few seasons stuck in the wilderness of a defensive mind-set, De Jongh has been able to shrug off the disappointment of missing out on Springbok selection with a few electrifying performances with ball-in-hand.
The former Matie has crossed the whitewash on a few occasions through his individual brilliance, while also being integrally involved in setting up opportunities for the speed kings out wide like Kobus van Wyk, Justin Geduld and Seabelo Senatla before the latter injured his ankle.
“It has been enjoyable (the leadership) this season,” De Jongh told the Cape Times this week. “It certainly has been different as a senior player now. I don’t have Jean, Schalk, Gio … those types of guys around me anymore. So, the younger players now look up to me and this has given me confidence.
“I need to know all the plays, the calls, and like I said, the young players look up to me to show them the way, and I think this has helped my game improve as I need to be switched on all the time.”
Still only 26, but already a veteran of five Currie Cup seasons, De Jongh is a wise head on a set of young shoulders, and his Province team have certainly responded to his leadership style by setting the pace on the log table. The Cape side head the standings with 29 points after seven games, four ahead of the Golden Lions, and look destined for a place in the playoffs.
However, Province face a stern challenge tomorrow when they travel to Nelspruit to face a doughty Pumas team that are unbeaten at their Mbombela Stadium this season. Although the visitors are expected to have too much firepower for Jimmy Stonehouse’s charges, the clash is very much a potential banana skin, especially if the 2012 champions are off their game just a slight bit.
“We’re still searching for that perfect all-round game,” De Jongh said. “There have been occasions this season where we have managed two of the three facets. Either our kicking was off, then our defence or attack, but we are looking to put all three together this Friday.
“We know they have been playing great rugby in Nelspruit. Renaldo Bothma (who is to undergo a late fitness test) has been outstanding for them at number eight while centre Stefan Watermeyer is a destructive runner that makes good yards.”
Meanwhile, Sapa reports that Stonehouse has taken action after the 29-15 defeat to Lions last weekend as he aims to keep his team’s chances of progression to the semi-finals alive. The Pumas coach has wielded the axe, cutting seven players, with a no-nonsense selection policy.
Three changes were made to the pack, with hooker Frankie Herne earning a starting berth in place of Francois du Toit. Openside flank Uzair Cassiem shifts to the bench, with Jaco Bouwer selected in the run-on side, while lock Marius Coetzer will replace Frikkie Spies.
In the backline, Reynier van Rooyen will once again rotate with Dylon Frylinck, who moves to the bench. JC Roos has been given the all-important No 10 jersey, with the prolific Justin van Staden among the replacements. Ruwellyn Isbell also replaces Jerome Pretorius on the wing, while JW Bell has been named at fullback at the expense of former WP under-21 player Coenie van Wyk.
“Each player knows what awaits us, and we've really done well so far. If we want a semi-final spot we have to win this match, and although it is Western Province, we are lucky it is at home,” Stonehouse said.
Pumas
15 JW Bell, 14 Ruwellyn Isbell, 13 JW Jonker, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 JC Roos, 9 Reynier van Rooyen, 8 Renaldo Bothma/RW Kember, 7 Jaco Bouwer, 6 Corne Steenkamp (captain), 5 Giant Mtyanda, 4 Marius Coetzer, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Frankie Herne, 1 Corne Fourie. Bench:16 Francois du Toit, 17 DeJay Terblanche, 18 Uzair Cassiem, 19 RW Kember/Doppies le Roux, 20 Dylon Frylinck, 21 Justin van Staden, 22 Jerome Pretorius - Cape Times