Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Sage, Du Plessis will be the centre of attention
MIKE DE BRUYN TWO brilliant centres will be on opposite sides when Wynberg takes on Paul Roos at home in a Western Province Under 19A schools match today.
For the home side there is Jarryd Sage, grandson of former Springbok no 8 Doug Hopwood and for the visitors, Daniel du Plessis – son of former Springbok centre Michael du Plessis.
Both Sage and Du Plessis turned out for the all-conquering WP Under- 18 team at Craven Week.
The latter bagged four tries in the opening game against the Pumas and one in the ‘final’ against the Lions to earn a place in the SA Under-18 team.
Sage never scored, but his assist play, pace and breaks set up tries for his teammates.
No doubt both players are stars in the making. They are big, strong and skilful and have the talent to penetrate any defence. Sage has been likened to Bok captain Jean de Villiers. He is balanced, focused, has a keen eye for the gap and the ability to take the ball over the advantage line.
Du Plessis is similar in stature.
Paul Roos coach Hein Kriek, who coached the WP side, has high praise for both players.
“We are very lucky to have these to fine prospects in our ranks. Keep an eye out for them; they’re headed to the top,” Kriek said.
As for the outcome of the match, it was hard to call. Both camps have had up-and-down seasons. Wynberg have former head boy Justin Van Winkel as their coach.
His meticulous preparation will be put to the test; it has been a very long time since Wynberg managed to beat one of the big four from Boland.
Wynberg’s director of rugby, Kevin Musikanth, feels pretty upbeat about things.
“We are the underdogs based on historic value, but we have a side littered with Grade 11’s… We will be relying heavily on Craven Week stars Jarryd Sage and Siya Alem.
“Winger Stef Botha has improved over the year and big-booted Karl Martin is sure to dictate proceedings from the back.”