Van Zyl to skipper Western Province

Editor

Lock Chris van Zyl will captain Western Province in their opening Currie Cup Premier Division clash with the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Having been at the helm as coach John Dobson's team went through the Currie Cup Qualifier campaign with only one defeat to end top of the standings, Van Zyl is comfortable with the role and is keen to see his team build on what they have already achieved this year.

"It is a massive privilege for me, Dobbo and I had spoken about it and I said from the outset that I wanted to do it at Loftus," he told WP Rugby.

"I enjoyed the Currie Cup Qualifiers and the role of being in charge there, and I feel that I thrive in that leadership position."

Dobson explained that the leadership roles will be reassessed when they go on a short camp in their bye week next week, but for the first hurdle against the Blue Bulls Van Zyl will remain as skipper.

"Next week we have got a bye and we are going on camp where we will choose our full leadership," said Dobson.

"This is like a mini-campaign of seeing what we can do at Loftus with Chris as captain, and then we will re-assess next week.

"It is going to be a very tough game for us, but that is why we are viewing it as one big game at the start, so we will put everything into this and reassess next week."

Van Zyl added that whilst they are expecting a tough examination at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, his side is looking forward to the challenge.

"If you are playing against the Bulls you know that your set-piece has got to be on-point, but we will be well prepared and I am looking forward to the challenge," he said.