Hendrik Stephan - Brandwag Captain
Talented lock or loose forward
Brandwag and Daniel Pienaar play each other in the Uitenhage derby on Saturday. The fixture is only played once per annum and Saturday is D-day in Uitenhage. Which Grade 12 class of 2006 will have the bragging rights for the rest of their days? We find out Saturday when they meet in an FNB Classic Clash.
Brandwag skipper Hendrik Stephan was born in Bloemfontein, but moved to Uitenhage at an early age. Born on 24 April 1988 he attended the local primary school before graduating to Brandwag High in Grade 8. Hendrik not only captains the 1st XV from the lock position, but is also a school prefect.
Hendrik describes his strength as his ability to turn ball over on the ground i.e. to play the fetcher role. When asked why he didn't play flank, he said he had been moved to lock because of excellent ability in the lineouts. Having played lock and loose-forward his entire career he is comfortable in either role. Weighing in at a healthy 92kgs and standing 1.90 metres tall he has the perfect build to adapt to either role as well.
Hendrik played for the EP Academy team last year and is naturally hoping to go one better and represent the EP Schools side in 2006.
In terms of rugby heroes, Hendrik admires the all-round excellence of New Zealand flyhalf and IRB World Player of the Year, Daniel Carter. Locally, he likes the skills and tenacity of versatile Cats forward Cobus 'Baywatch' Grobbelaar. Hendrik hopes to study engineering at Stellenbosch University next year. A fine choice indeed as there can be no better place in the world to further ones studies and rugby careers.
Brandwag have had a good season thus far and have won all but two of their nine games, with losses to the powerhouse Outeniqua and Marlow teams, the only blemishes to date. Hendrik says Brandwag will be looking to their backline to do the damage on Saturday, as his backs are all have good distribution skills and a keen eye for the gap.
Hendrik Stephan knows that the result on Saturday is likely to shape his memories of his days playing rugby at school. He will be giving his everything to ensure those memories are good ones!
