Captain's profile: Martyn Joubert
Eldoraigne captain Martyn Joubert’s versatility has stood him and his school’s first XV in good stead over the past two seasons.
Primarily a roaming flank, the mobile Joubert was employed at lock last year and will sport the No.5 jersey in Saturday’s FNB Classic Clash against Zwartkop.
“I’ve played flank for most of my schoolboy career and believe that’s where I’m best suited as it frees me up to roam around the field and contest the breakdown,” said Joubert.
“Last year was the first time that I played lock. It’s obviously a bit more restrictive in that you play in tighter but I haven’t changed my approach all that much.”
Following his first year in the second row, Joubert ramped up his training in the off-season, putting particular importance on his speed and conditioning.
He was subsequently reverted to the back row and entrusted with the captaincy at the start of the year but injuries have resulted in him having to shift back to lock.
For Joubert, though, the team’s needs come before his personal preference. “I really enjoy playing flank but I’m happy to help out at lock whenever there’s a need for me to do so,” he said.
Joubert is thoroughly enjoying his final season of schoolboy rugby and hopes to play for either UP-Tuks or Kovsies next year, where he plans to study towards a civil engineering degree.
“This year has definitely been the highlight of my rugby career. It’s an honour to play for the first team and an even greater honour to captain the side.
“We’ve come a long way; most of the guys know each other from our grade eight days so there’s a great understanding between the players and synergy in the team.”
Joubert said they have been preparing for Saturday’s match for the past three weeks and are eager to exact revenge after narrowly losing last year’s game against Zwartkop.
“At first team level the competition is tough; there are no easy games and this weekend’s match will be no exception. We haven’t forgotten about last year and we plan to hit back with a bang. We’re well prepared for this game and will give it our all.”
The match holds special significance for Joubert and the other matrics in the side as it will be their final home game and FNB Classic Clash, with 300 old boys expected to show their support for Joubert and the 2013 vintage.
“Having the old boys there will be added motivation for us. There’s no greater honour than to end your schoolboy career on your home ground and we will do everything in our power to ensure that we finish on a high.”
