Gordon-Wayne Plaatjies - Captain of Graeme
Graeme College captain Gordon-Wayne Plaatjies is hoping that his side will be able to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season when they take on old Grahamstown foes St Andrews this weekend.
Plaatjies is still in Grade 11, and after playing at flank for the first XV last year he has been given the responsibility to captain a Graeme side with just two Matrics in the starting line-up.
By his own admission his side have not started the season as well as they would have liked, with just one win from their first six games.
“We are not where we want to be, but if we stick to our structures and our plans then we have the potential to start playing some good rugby,” he said.
The last time that Graeme beat St Andrews at first team level was quite a few years ago, but Plaatjies has only ever lost to them once and he is determined to lead his team to what would be a milestone victory on Saturday.
“They have beaten us pretty easily in the last few years, but last year it was quite close and we only lost 10-7 so I think that the key for my team will be their self-belief, if they back themselves then we can win this one,” he said.
The Graeme skipper is playing at No.8 this season and says his strengths are his communication and organisational skills on the pitch, which he believes will be key when his team square up to St. Andrews.
“We have a fairly small pack but quite a flashy backline so we will focus on our speed to the ball and have worked hard on the breakdown this week, but we must just back each other up on defence,” he said.
Although Graeme may be the underdogs this weekend Plaatjies is still very positive about their chances, and he will be hoping that his confidence will inspire his side to rise to the occasion.
