Deysel: Back to the rough stuff
Comments
0
Recent Sharks returnee, Jean Deysel, is relishing a return to more physical Super Rugby action after a stint playing in Japan.
Deysel joined fellow loose forward Keegan Daniel in packing his bags for the East at the end of last year's Super Rugby season on a two year contract.
However, after only one year, the bulldozing Springbok has returned to Durban having not missed out on any Super Rugby action.
Deysel says he is already feeling the difference in the physicality after coming off the bench for the Sharks in their 29-35 loss to the Cheetahs on Saturday at Kings Park.
"It is a lot more physical and you do miss that," Deysel said after training in the shadow of Kings Park on Tuesday.
"You do miss the heavy competitiveness of it and actually, it is good to get up on a Sunday and you feel like it was a tough Saturday."
When asked if Super Rugby was more physical and if it suited his game more, Deysel responded with a resounding "yes!"
"I played 30 minutes on the weekend and I battled to get out of the car on Sunday, where as I would play in Japan and Sundays were all good." he added.
The flank said it was an easy call to make to return home to South Africa when he was approached, only three weeks back, by Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold.
"I am very happy to be back; when Gary [Gold] spoke to be about three weeks back it was an easy call to make because it is always easy coming back to Durban.
"For me, to go there and to see that was awesome, but being back – this is where you grow up and where you belong, with your friends and your family.
"I missed the Braai to be honest with you!
"When I initially signed the contract I didn't think I was coming back,
"This [returning to the Sharks] was a very late decision for me, and it was not on the cards to come back."
Deysel seems more than happy to be back and excited to contribute to the Sharks' effort, admitting that he was extremely nervous for the game against the Cheetahs.
"To be honest with you, I have not been as nervous as I was before the Cheetahs game since – I can't remember when," he said.
"I think since maybe eight years back when I played my first game!"
By Darryn Pollock
ADVERTISEMENT
