Captain's profile: Q v Loggerenberg
With a 40-14 Classic Clash defeat to the old foe in 2015, Van Loggerenberg is fully aware of Marais Viljoen's strength as a team and does not underestimate the opposition.
The 18-year-old van Loggerenberg feels a huge responsibility resting on his shoulders if they want to avenge last year's result, and additionally restore the dominance they had over Marais Viljoen in the past.
"I still remember the 2015 Classic Clash loss like it was yesterday. Despite losing the clash, we did manage to nail a victory over them [Marais Viljoen] in the Tuks Series, but it is never truly the same.
"We should be careful not to get too carried away and remember to stay focussed on Saturday. They [Marais Viljoen] are really competitive and I anticipate a really tough, hard-hitting match, " van Loggerenberg said.
Despite the season being tough on the Roodepoort team, this Saturday would be another opportunity for Florida to overturn the bad streak and cement their names as one of the successful first XVs of Florida.
"Our season has been really tough thus far, but the guys are fully committed and that is always a bonus to any captain. We will be taking the field with a full strength squad and would want to make sure that we emulate the success of the first XVs that have gone before us," he added.
This is the 18-year-old's second year in the first XV jersey and being named captain is a bonus. The captaincy role came naturally to van Loggerenberg, consequently making him enjoy every minute of it.
"Being named captain is a great feeling and it is such a huge honour. Leading the first XV, I would have to say is the highlight of my rugby career. Captaincy has come with a lot of responsibility, therefore I strive to lead by example and just be part of the team. My captain's philosophy is all about believing in yourself," the skipper added.
Other than winning the Classic Clash, van Loggerenberg plans for the near future are to pass matric and play in the 2016 Craven Week.
