Captain's profile: Aliwal North

Aliwal North captain Glen van Pletzen is expecting a tough physical onslaught from Hangklip in their FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

The versatile Van Pletzen, who can play a number of positions in the forward pack, leads a young team with only six Matrics in the starting line-up and is aware that they are in for a stern examination up front this weekend.

"Hangklip have a very physical pack, but what my team lacks in size they make up for in skill and heart," he said.

Van Pletzen played hooker last year and featured at flank for the EP Country Districts at Craven Week this year, but will be running out at No.8 on Saturday.

The Aliwal North skipper says that he enjoys the challenge of adapting to different positions and is intent on setting a good example against their rivals this weekend.

"I am enjoying playing more of a loose game and getting more ball. It is always good to learn new things," he said.

Van Pletzen, who plans to study at Kovsies and play koshuis rugby for Armentum next year, says that his team's commitment and fitness will be key if they are to stretch Hangklip out wide.

"We will have to use our fitness to ur advantage so that we can play with some flair and take it wide, but it will be tough against Hangklip no matter what," he said.