Deysel revs up Sharks' engine

Sharks coach John Plumtree has described flanker Jean Deysel as a “machine” after the flanker's barnstorming effort against the Griquas in Saturday's Currie Cup victory.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has described flanker Jean Deysel as a “machine” after the flanker's barnstorming effort against the Griquas in Saturday's 44-15 Currie Cup victory.

Although he has had a relatively quiet season, playing mostly Vodacom Cup for the Wildebeest, he came back to play in the final five matches of the Super 14 for the Sharks and was expected to be an integral part of the Currie Cup squad, especially following the departure of AJ Venter.

After missing the first five weeks of the tournament due to a broken bone in his hand sustained in the pre-season friendly against the Griffons, Deysel signaled his return with a determined effort that saw him earn the man-of-the-match-award against the Lions.

He followed this up with an equally damaging and powerful game against Griquas this past weekend which put the team on the front foot and helped lay the platform for excellent go-forward ball.

This resulted in seven tries being run in by the Sharks in what was expected to be a tough encounter by a side who have earned more than their share of upset victories on the concrete-hard turf in Kimberley.

“It was just great to get back onto the park again,” Deysel told the Sharks website.

“We gelled as a pack of forwards so I can't take credit for everything because all the guys were awesome.

“It all just came together there at the end.”

Any player who has to sit out training, playing and being a part of the team due to injury has plenty of time for introspection, and the bustling loose forward obviously accepted his circumstances with good grace but made his intentions clear when it was time to play.

“I had five weeks to think about my injury, every day, every game, so it's great to be back,” said Deysel.

“My main responsibility is to take the ball up and Keegan (Daniel) and Jacques (Botes) will support me, so at the end, we gel well as a loose trio.”

Plumtree admitted after the match that Deysel really gave them the firepower the team needs after the Sharks romped home in their four-try bonus point victory.

“He was outstanding, the guy has got Springbok written all over him,” said Plumtree.

“There are not too many loose forwards who can make an impact on a game like that.

“It also emphasises the importance of having a guy who carries the ball that far across the advantage line.

“You can have all the structures you want, but you can't play behind the advantage line.”