Captain's profile: Jonick Schoeman
Welkom Gimnasium are in safe hands in terms of leadership – and line-out ball – as they look ahead to their big Welkom derby against Hoërskool Goudveld this Saturday.
Lock Jonick Schoeman will captain Gimmies, as he has done all season, and he will not take a backwards step as his school looks to chalk up two wins.
Two wins?
"Obviously this is a big derby," explains Jonick, "but it's also about making the semifinals in our local competition.
"If we lose, we're out… it's that simple, so we certainly don't need any extra motivation (to win)."
There are "10 or 11" matriculants in the Gimmies team, which means they have a lot of experience, not to mention the emotions that go with a final game against their local rivals.
However, Jonick will have a role to play to keep those emotions in check, as the visitors look to avenge last year's one-point (11-12) defeat in what has been a very good season for Gimmies.
"We had no luck initially in the season, despite playing good rugby, but I think we've had a good season," explains the Welkom Gimnasium captain. "We had a few injuries at the end of last term, but those guys are all back so we've got a full-strength and hungry team."
Gim have four Craven Week representatives in their team – along with two Academy Week reps – whereas Gouties had just one player at the 2012 Craven Week, Shaun Reynolds, and another player in the Griffons Under-19 side; their skipper Gerhard van der Merwe.
As you would expect, Schoeman – a hard-working lock-cum-flank, is part of Gimmies' Craven Week quartet.
"I played at No.7 for the Griffons, but I will be playing No.4 lock tomorrow," he explains.
"I don't really mind where I play, although I do prefer playing on the flank where you get to handle the ball a bit more. Both positions involve plenty of donkey work but you're definitely a bit looser as a flank."
At 86 kilograms and 1,84 metres, flank would probably suit Schoeman more on a long-term basis and he admits to wanting to play rugby after school.
"I spoke to the Lions at Craven Week and I'm waiting to hear from them," he reveals.
"I'd love to be part of a professional union, as any aspiring player would, but if it does not happen I would love to play Varsity Rugby as I would like to study after school too – B.Comm Marketing is my preferred option."
