Captain's profile: Michael Siebert

 

Siebert is expecting a close game between the two schools.

 

"Last year after a tough fight we narrowly beat Parktown on our home ground, but the year before that, our first team lost to them at Parktown," said Siebert.

 

"So as you can see it is going to be a very tight and physical game as it always is."

 

This is Siebert's second year representing the St.John's first XV, and a highlight of his career is beating Pretoria Boys in the 2014 season. The captain is 178cm tall and weighs 78kg, and he plays his rugby at flank. 

 

He believes his strengths as a captain, is that he leads with his actions and performances as opposed to words, and he is honoured to be given such a title. 

 

"I was honoured as I knew that this is a very prestigious position but at the same time I knew that a great reasonability had been placed on me and that was a rather daunting thought. 

 

"I thought of all the great captains who had gone before me such as Dylan Testa, Devon Henson, Devon Stone and many more and was inspired to successfully fulfil my role as captain."

 

Siebert is expecting the Parktown team to play a percentage game, suffocating them with a set-piece and kicking battle. However the Siebert's team will be up for the challenge with the perfect balance of experience and youth in their team. 

 

"We are expecting them to take to the boot quite often and try put us under pressure at the back. 

 

"And we are preparing for a physical contest at ruck time. We are also expecting their set-pieces to be very accurate and well executed."

 

The skippers message to his boys is: "Parktown is one of our big fixtures and we know what to expect of them. 

 

"So if we play the game that we have been playing, stay accurate and play as a unit, then the result will be in our favour."

 

Siebert's future plans are to study Medicine at UCT or Stellenbosch while enjoying some Sevens rugby on the side.