Captain's profile: Curtis Jantjies

 

After being part of the first team for three years now, Jantjies knows the importance the school has in the town ahead of this year's Classic Clash with Woodridge College.

 

"It is an incredible honour to lead a team which is part of a rich rugby tradition and legacy in our community. A team puts their bodies on the line to make their community proud," said Jantjies.

 

The 1.8m, 88kg 19-year-old believes his team's opponents will come out firing as they have not lost to them in four long years.

 

"Woodridge have a point to prove. They last won in 2011 and will be desperate to win the opening Classic Clash.

 

"They will give their all because they having nothing to lose," he added.

 

Jantjies is aware of his responsibilities as captain on Saturday and will not back down in the face of adversity.

 

"I lead by example and give 100 percent. I aim to be a good leader and a good follower.

 

"As a player I want to give my best every time I run onto the field and as a captain I motivate my team to not give up," he said.

 

The No.8 said the ultimate highlight of his career so far was his team's 22-17 victory over Eastern Cape rivals Daniel Pienaar. Besides that win, Jantjies knows his team needs to be consistent if they want to be the best.

 

"We had a mixed bag of a season. Lay-offs between quality opponents prevented us from getting into rhythm and firing on all cylinders," he explained.

 

Jantjies' message to his team this week was: "To focus on what we are going to bring to the match and not what the opponents are going to do."

 

Jantjies hopes to play representative rugby when he is done with school.