Captain's Profile: Sazi Sandi

Bragging rights for the next year is one of the rewards for the victors of this famous clash, but Sandi wants his team to remain focussed on the task at hand.

"My message to the team is to keep focussed, not to get caught up in the hype of the fixture and to play as unit on the field," said Sandi.

"There has always been a good rivalry between the two schools - the game on the Saturday will be highly competitive and filled with great rugby. 

"The schoolboys play and cheer with lots of heart for their respective schools and the camaraderie that both schools display is electrifying.

"Last year we lost against Graeme playing on their home turf which was an exciting game of rugby.

"We are expecting them [Graeme College] to be very physical, good on the loose play and to have good finishers with pace in their backline."

The 17-year-old matriculant, who plays at tighthead prop, represented Eastern Province at last year's Grant Khomo Week and knows what it takes to be a leader on the field.

"As a captain I keep the team motivated with positive thoughts and as a player, I am a team man who puts the team first before anything else.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be named captain of this side. I get goosebumps every time I train and run on the pitch with this team," Sandi added.

Sandi believes they have the right mix in their side to bag a victory on the weekend.

"Saturday's team is an experienced side, which is at full strength. 

"We have a few guys from last year who are back this season and some new guys this year who add to a great team atmosphere at training and during the match.

"The season so far has been good - we have had a couple of hiccups at the start where we lost two, but so far it's been good."

Sandi said he is planning on continuing his studies after school as well as playing more rugby.