Captain's profile: Ruhann de Jager
The experienced de Jager has been wearing the first XV jersey for three years but has never won a Classic Clash.
"This would be the 10th Classic Clash and so far we have won five of the matches. However, they won in 2014 and 2015 – which I was a part of.
"So Saturday is a big one for us to gain some revenge and bragging rights. It is all about revenge," de Jager said.
Despite seeking revenge, the visitors know pursuing a victory away from home is much easier said than done, and a really tough match is anticipated.
"There have been positives and negatives this season. The team cannot wait for Saturday, from my experience I know it is going to be a tough encounter.
"Just like us, they are busy transitioning. We have not heard a lot of them this year, so I do not really know what to expect. But usually they are quite strong up front and like to out-muscle opponents, thus we just have to prepare for everything," he added.
Schoonspruit SS will be fielding a very balanced team, with experienced and young players taking to the field for the match.
"We're pretty much a good blend of experienced and a couple of young guns. Our first choice tighthead prop had to withdraw from the match for personal reasons and it is a big blow but as a team, we have to adapt. Our first choice flyhalf still needs to pass a fitness test but we really hope he is going to be fine and fit to play," he stated.
De Jager’s strength as a player and his decision-making abilities on and off the field, had made his appointments as captain inevitable.
"I love to be part of the decision-making in the team, my strength of communication on and off the field has helped the team a lot. I am my team's very own Victor Matfield.
"Schoonspruit SS has a proud rugby heritage and to be part of only a few men to have the honour of captaining the first XV is awesome and certainly a big honour," he said.
Playing in the 2016 Boland Under-18 final trials with future plans to study at the University of the Western Cape, he is hopeful of participating in the Varsity Shield.
