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Stephen Nell
Cape Town – Anton van Zyl was never after the captaincy when he decided to rejoin Western Province last year, but he views it as a “wonderful honour and privilege” now that he has been entrusted with the leadership role.
“The main motivation to come to WP was to be part of a great team playing great rugby,” said the 30-year-old lock, who was at the Lions from 2005 until he joined WP prior to last year’s Currie Cup campaign.
Van Zyl is a born Capetonian and played a handful of games for WP in the early stages of his senior career.
However, he left in 2003 and obtained a Masters degree at Oxford University in England before moving to Johannesburg in 2005 to further his career as a chartered accountant.
Province were delighted when they could finally announce after last year’s Super 14 that Van Zyl was returning to Cape Town.
He mostly played in Andries Bekker’s shadow in this year’s Super 14, but with contracted Springboks only available from the semi-final of the Currie Cup, there is little doubt that Van Zyl will not be a regular starter.
His first task as skipper is a humble one in a friendly match against the Griffons in Welkom on Friday evening.
It is WP’s only chance to have a run-out before they kick off their Currie Cup campaign against Free State on July 10.
“The Griffons will be tough on their home ground and we’re hoping for a good all-round performance where we can implement our structures,” said Van Zyl.
“This match against the Griffons is our only game before the start of the Currie Cup. That is why team management have picked close to the strongest possible side.
“We’re fortunate that five of the forwards that played in the Super 14 final are in the pack and we’ll take on as much responsibility as possible up front. However, it’s important that all 15 players in the team front up.”
Van Zyl says there is not much he can tell the likes of Tiaan Liebenberg, Brok Harris and Duane Vermeulen after they were overlooked for the Bok squad.
“They are very good professionals and Tiaan has tasted Bok rugby before. I’m confident they’ll keep on working hard.”
Cape Town – Anton van Zyl was never after the captaincy when he decided to rejoin Western Province last year, but he views it as a “wonderful honour and privilege” now that he has been entrusted with the leadership role.
“The main motivation to come to WP was to be part of a great team playing great rugby,” said the 30-year-old lock, who was at the Lions from 2005 until he joined WP prior to last year’s Currie Cup campaign.
Van Zyl is a born Capetonian and played a handful of games for WP in the early stages of his senior career.
However, he left in 2003 and obtained a Masters degree at Oxford University in England before moving to Johannesburg in 2005 to further his career as a chartered accountant.
Province were delighted when they could finally announce after last year’s Super 14 that Van Zyl was returning to Cape Town.
He mostly played in Andries Bekker’s shadow in this year’s Super 14, but with contracted Springboks only available from the semi-final of the Currie Cup, there is little doubt that Van Zyl will not be a regular starter.
His first task as skipper is a humble one in a friendly match against the Griffons in Welkom on Friday evening.
It is WP’s only chance to have a run-out before they kick off their Currie Cup campaign against Free State on July 10.
“The Griffons will be tough on their home ground and we’re hoping for a good all-round performance where we can implement our structures,” said Van Zyl.
“This match against the Griffons is our only game before the start of the Currie Cup. That is why team management have picked close to the strongest possible side.
“We’re fortunate that five of the forwards that played in the Super 14 final are in the pack and we’ll take on as much responsibility as possible up front. However, it’s important that all 15 players in the team front up.”
Van Zyl says there is not much he can tell the likes of Tiaan Liebenberg, Brok Harris and Duane Vermeulen after they were overlooked for the Bok squad.
“They are very good professionals and Tiaan has tasted Bok rugby before. I’m confident they’ll keep on working hard.”
