Captain's profile: John-Henry Schmitt

Oudtshoorn captain John-Henry Schmitt says his team will be fuelled by passion and emotion when they play Outeniqua on Saturday.

Their added motivation comes in the form of long-serving coach Bernie Deacon, who underwent heart surgery during the season and is in final year at the helm of the first XV.  

"It’s his last year of coaching first team rugby after several years at the school so we would like to go out there and make him proud," Schmitt told FNB Classic Clashes.

The robust 1.8-metre, 92-kilogram hooker played Craven Week last year and Academy Week this season and strives to lead by example.

"My primary job as captain is to keep the guys positive throughout the game and as player to fulfil my hooker duties as best I can," explains Schmitt.

He said although they have blown hot and cold this year, there is no lack of confidence and determination in the squad, which features ten Matrics.   

"We've had our ups and downs this season. We had to fight through losing our coach but he's back now. We've worked on our errors and we’re confident that we will win on Saturday."

Oudtshoorn will have to make do without star flyhalf Ganfried May, who suffered a broken arm last weekend, but Schmitt believes they have a capable replacement in hungry youngster Chris du Toit.

"It's a blow for us to lose Ganfried but Chris is a very talented player. He's been knocking on the door to play first team rugby all year and is the kind of player you can't be without.

"He will fight for you till the bitter end and it's a great opportunity for him to make a name for himself."

Schmitt said they expect a tough clash against Outeniqua at weekend and will look to make the most of their home ground advantage.

"They are a good team but so are we and we are not going to stand back for them. We beat them the last time we played them at home in 2010 and we'll look to do the same this weekend."