Captain's profile: Kyran Dick
Dick is no stranger to a leadership role, having captained the Under-14, U-15 and U-16 teams and has earned the trust of his team mates over those years. However, there is nothing quite as special as running out in the first team jersey in the biggest match of their season.
"After all the stories being told since I was in Grade 8, it was very clear that it [this Classic Clash] is the most important match of every year. There are talks going around that this is just like any other match.
"Well, not to us. We know we will need to hit that much harder and run that much faster to be successful when the final whistle blows.
"I feel like the boys trust my way of inspiring them, as I have captained most of them throughout my schooling career.
"I am always listening to my team mates and that allows me to give them the correct advice at the correct time. It is pointless being captain and not listening to other because then they won't trust your judgement in pressure situations.
"So for me, the key to being a successful captain is setting the example for them to follow on and off the field while also being approachable and open to listening to their views and opinions. Obviously there will be times when some players would be in a bad frame of mind, so it is my duty to provide them with the motivation to work hard through that rough patch," he said.
The Grade 12 learner welcomes back his first choice flyhalf, Ross Tarr, for the encounter to link up with a highly experienced first XV.
"We have a really insane starting 15 and the bench are equally as dominant when they get onto the field. Our flyhalf Ross Tarr, who was out injured, returns to the team for this Classic Clash. Even though he was out, we have still had a really good season thus far.
"Every player continues to learn from each game and that has allowed everyone to understand the players around them a lot better. I feel like those learning curves has contributed to us being unbeaten this season.
"We know we will be in for a good game of rugby because they like playing with the ball and don't get involved with personal battles. We will just need to stick to what we practiced.," he added.
Dick packs down at the side of the scrum and has picked up some neat personal milestones in his short career, which included representing South Africa at a Sevens tournament in Dubai. However, the travelling does not stop there as he will be heading to New Zealand in September.
"Going to and playing in Dubai was insane and spectacular. It was an experience that I will never forget and I am sure New Zealand will be the same. I have been chosen as part of a Southern Cape Sports Tour to go to New Zealand in September," he stated.
The name Kyran Dick should be remembered though, as the matriculant was recently accepted into the Sharks Academy and we are sure to hear more about this exciting prospect's journey through the rugby ranks.
