Captain's profile: Pieter Bekker

 

The 1.91, 92kg No.8 is in his third year in his school's first team and has plenty of experience in this tie.

 

"They will definitely be well-prepared and as usual will play a hard brand of rugby.

 

"My message to the team this week was to stay focussed, play running rugby and be prepared," said Bekker.

 

The 18-year-old has a pragmatic approach to his role as captain with his philosophy in a leadership role being a simple but effective one.

 

"I am proud to represent my school at this level. It is a humbling experience.

 

"As a player and captain I lead by example and I am consistent. My philosophy is – forwards win matches; backs decide by how far," Bekker added.

 

Bekker has represented the Pumas at Under-16 level a few years ago, which he described as a positive experience. His highlight of his short career so far was playing in the Beeld Trophy during his first year as a member of the school's first team when he was just in Grade 10.

 

Bekker does not want schoolboy rugby to his last level of participation in the sport.

 

"I would like to continue my rugby career after school. I am also planning on studying at the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) next year," he added.