Captain's profile: Nathan Simons

Klein Nederburg Secondary know exactly what to expect from Cradock when the two schools lock horns on Saturday, says skipper Nathan Simons.

Simons believes the hosts will play the percentages and use their big forwards to follow a direct, grinding gameplan.

“We expect the opposition to focus on their forwards and the rucks and mauls. To use runners close to the breakdown and long-range kicks to set up lineouts close to the try line and maul from there,” he says.

As a bulky and abrasive tighthead prop, facing such a game plan would suit Simons just fine. He admits the season has been “challenging” but is full of confidence that his team can come good on Saturday.

Klein Nederburg lost last year’s clash 15-9, and Simons says they would like nothing more than to avenge the loss for the quartet of survivors from 2011 who will run out again this weekend.

Simons, who played Craven Week in 2008, focuses on his primary responsibilities as a player and aims to do his job well. As a captain, he’s a good motivator and puts particular importance on how his team conduct themselves on the field, both in victory and defeat.

“The most important thing is to play the game in good sportsmanship, with full commitment to the team,” he says.