Pierre Schoeman - Captain of Affies
Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) have had a strong 2012 season, but their captain Pierre Schoeman believes they are capable of having a great year.
Of course, winning Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against near-neighbours Pretoria Boys High would help make this a great year for this talented Affies outfit, but - according to Schoeman - it has more to do with consistency in their performances, which would produce consistent results.
The tighthead prop explains: "Some people think this is the best team we've had in a while at Affies, but if we stick to our gameplan and produce consistent performances we could have the results to show (for it)."
Affies have played nine games so far in 2012; winning seven and losing twice. They began the year in first place on the FNB Top 20 rankings system and currently find themselves in fourth position.
Schoeman adds: "Our coach told us this week that it seems as if we're 'on' for one game and 'off' for the next... As I said, sticking to our gameplan is crucial, but that comes from playing together as a team."
According to Schoeman, the strength of this Affies side is their ability to play total rugby - a 15-man version of this game we all love so much. They boast a powerful, yet mobile pack, whilst their backs are speedy, says Pierre.
Having played for SA Schools last year, and having captained his school at U16 level in 2010, Schoeman was a natural choice as Affies captain in 2012, but he is quick to praise those around him for his success.
"If it wasn't for my teammates I wouldn't be where I am today," he stresses, "rugby is a team game and we all help each other.
"As the captain, youngsters at the school tend to look up to me, but it's not just about the current scholars - it's also about those great players that came before us; like Pierre Edwards, Frik du Preez, Wynand Olivier, Pierre Spies - Affies has a massive history that stretches across the world.
"You work for five years to become a 'White Bull' [play for the Affies First XV], but you basically have just one year to play first team rugby, so you need to take all the chances that come your way - as has happened over the last 90 years or so before us."
Schoeman is able to play on both sides of the scrum. He played in the No.1 shirt for the SA Schools team - and his school's First XV - last year, but, in 2012, finds himself occupying the all-important tighthead spot.
"It's a bit new to me," he says of the move from loose- to tighthead, "but I'm enjoying the experience and I think it will make me a better player and it could be good for my rugby future.
"I'm still able to run with the ball, as I did at loosehead, but the major difference comes at set-pieces and, in particular, at the scrum."
At 110 kilograms, and 1,84 metres, it is easy to understand why Pierre is a front row forward of such promise and he is hopeful - "God-willing" - of furthering his career at the Blue Bulls in 2013; Loftus Versfeld, after all, is not too far from Affies!
"I would also like to study next year," he says, "at Affies there is a big emphasis on academics and sport, but, at the same time, it's also a nice distraction away from sport (for us players ) as it keeps you disciplined and focused."