Steve Haag Gallo Images
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 08,Keegan Daniel during the Sharks captains run at Mr Price Kings Park on April 08, 2011 in Durban, South AfricaPhoto by Steve Haag / Gallo Images
The ever-popular, boy-next-door Keegan Daniel has been appointed captain for the Sharks 2012 Super Rugby campaign, and he will have formidable support in the highly combative Bismarck du Plessis, who is being introduced to leadership as the new vice-captain.
Daniel, the first-choice openside flank ahead of Jacques Botes, captained the team in the 2011 Currie Cup and proved himself to be a leader of the ilk of former Sharks captain Gary Teichmann – a humble man of few words who led from the front on the field, and enjoyed the respect of teammates and opponents on and off the field.
The fiery Du Plessis will have his opportunity to lead the team because in this longest ever Super Rugby campaign, Daniel (and any other player) cannot be expected to play every game.
Coach John Plumtree said that the choice of Daniel was ultimately an easy one because he was the “people’s choice”, so to speak, among Sharks players.
Difficult
“I was really impressed with how Keegan grew as a leader during a difficult Currie Cup campaign last year,” Plumtree said. “We had to deal with a number of interruptions, through injury and Springboks coming back. I thought he coped really well.”
Plumtree canvassed the senior players on the captaincy issue, and to a man they nodded in the direction of the amiable 26-year-old (he will be 27 on March 5).
“He has the respect of all the players for the type of person he is, and also for the way he plays,” Plumtree said. “And his friendliness and humility off the field make him a big hit with the supporters. I think the biggest thing is that he has the support of all his teammates,” Plumtree continued. “Ultimately, he was their choice. You can’t get a better endorsement than that.”
Regarding Du Plessis, Plumtree said he would be a keen observer of how he embraced leadership.
“Bismarck will have opportunities to captain the team. Again, it’s the same thing: a guy that leads by example. He’s also very astute in terms of tactics, so I am keen to have his leadership and to give him the responsibility to grow within the group as well.
“Both of these players are ultimate competitors; they are genuine Sharks men with a real love for this jersey,” the coach said. “The majority of your leadership comes through actions, and often words come second – both these boys are right up there in that department.”
The Sharks open their campaign with a visit to the Bulls in Pretoria on February 24.
