Du Plessis is raring to go for WP

07/04/2024 12:09 AM

Playmaker Jean-Luc du Plessis can't wait to get going again as DHL Western Province kick off their Currie Cup campaign at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.

WP will be looking to add to their record 34  Currie Cup titles when action gets under way this week. The world's oldest domestic rugby competition will see Province wear the iconic blue and white hoops in 10 league fixtures before the knockouts.

Their first fixture is a north-south clash with the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town, and Du Plessis is relishing the opportunity to get some minutes under his belt.

"The squad has been raring to go for a while now, especially those who maybe didn't receive a lot of opportunities with the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom URC and Champions Cup," he said.

"For me, it's another chance for game time in the blue and white hoops, and to get my match fitness and sharpness up and see how I can influence and positively contribute to the team."

The Currie Cup goes ahead as scheduled, albeit in a revamped format as one of the results of a ground-breaking alignment between employers and players to maximise player welfare, and Du Plessis welcomes the positive outcome.

"The Currie Cup and the WP jersey still means a lot to the players and this union, and I think everyone was relieved that a decision was made and we get to play," he explained.

"WP has a lot of history in this competition and the players are hungry for game time and to get out on the field and play the game we love."

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Du Plessis is also excited to fulfil a mentorship role as part of a strong leadership group.

"It is always nice when there is a good group of youngsters willing to learn and work hard, and that makes the senior players' jobs easier," he said.

"It's definitely a part of the Currie Cup that I enjoy and look forward to, it's very special."

Turning his attention to the challenge the Vodacom Bulls will present this weekend, Du Plessis expects a fierce contest against a team that WP beat home and away in the Currie Cup last season.

"It's going to be a good game and I'm looking forward to it, and hopefully we do right by our supporters and the union and get a good result.

"We know the Bulls are going to be a tough challenge and have a lot of depth and good players," he said.

"But there certainly will be no lack of desire or effort from our side come Sunday."

For more, see wprugby.com

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images

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