Captain's profile: Charl Schoeman
With more than half the team featuring in last year's victory, Schoeman believes their preparations are on track as they anticipate a highly physical battle.
"We have a nice balanced team with a blend of experienced and young players. More than half the first XV featured in last year's encounter. We have one serious injury, but the younger boys are eager to prove themselves on Saturday.
"HTS Drostdy has a very physical approach, but unlike the previous year they are a more mobile unit with a stronger backline, who will try to speed up the game," he said.
Not having had the greatest of season, Schoeman knows how important it is to stay focused and just to stick to the game plan.
"At the start of the season we really struggled to get solid performances, but in the last three weeks we managed pick up some momentum with three good wins.
"It is easy to get overwhelmed in these type of high tempo games, thus as a team we should remember our routines, stay focused on the small things and just trust in the preparation process,” he added.
The No.8 is no stranger to intense matches, having been part of the Under-13 Craven Week, U-16 Grant Khomo Week and representing Boland's U-13 Sevens team. With such experience, Worcester Gim will need their captain to be on top form to lead them in this crucial rivalry.
"I work hard on and off the field and never stop playing until the end whistles goes. I believe a captain needs to bring out the greatness in his teammates. This allows each player to express their inner leader, hence making it 14 other leaders on the field who inspire each other.
"It is all about the team's goal and not the individual's," he stated.
With such a deep understanding of leadership and a good grasp of the game, there is a great possibility that this is not the last time we will see this young man in a captaincy role. But for now, the matriculant is solely focus on winning the Classic Clash and taking that winning momentum through to the end of the season.
