Rugby Captains. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Kyle Gerbers and Caden Dalais. Kyle and Caden are the captains of Roodepoort High School’s 1st rugby team. Kyle today scores the fourteenth and Caden the the fifteenth try in our series this year on Rugby Captains from high schools in South Africa. Our first chat today is with Caden Dalais.
Caden Dalais:
“I started playing rugby at the age of thirteen. The reason I like playing rugby, is because it’s a place where most of us find peace and build a brotherhood.
When I played my first game, I was excited before kick-off, but when the game started, I was so scared that I didn’t even want to touch the ball. What I still remember about my first rugby game is stepping the whole team and then knocking the ball on the try line.
My advice to beginners is to always work hard and keep your head up and stay humble.
The position I am currently playing is fly half. Other positions I was playing is scrum half since I started playing rugby. When I started playing my current position, I was not happy in the beginning because I was not comfortable in the position. Nevertheless, I’m starting to enjoy playing fly half.
First time captain
The first time I was elected capain, was when I was playing under 14. When I jogged onto the field as rugby captain for the first time, I felt a lot of pressure but I was happy at the same time.
I keep my team motivated on the field by giving them high-fives if they make a mistake. I then tell them to keep their heads up and tell them we all work too hard to give up now.
The qualities a good rugby player should have, is discipline. It is the most important ability for every good rugby player.
The game I had the most fun in my rugby career was when we played against Die Wilgers last year in the finals. The reason why I say that it was the most fun, is because they had this one player that would step the whole team while he was very arrogant. So when I got the ball I stepped him so bad that he even pulled his hamstring. The game we played against Westonaria was my worst game I have ever played. I got injured just as I went downhill, and I couldn’t pick myself up after that.
My best rugby decision as rugby captain? It was last year in the quarter-finals against this other, I can’t remember the name, but we were down by one point. The time was up so I decided to go for polls instead of going for the line out. Needless to say, we won the game!
Tough game
When I had a tough game, I seek advice from my coaches and teammates.
It is every hard handling my responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities. If someone tells you it’s easy, they are lying because you are so tired after practice. You don’t feel like doing your homework or studying, but over time you learn how to deal with it.
My personal rugby goals I would like to achieve this year? Honestly I have 3 goals that I want to achieve this year. I already achieved one goal, which is making it to go play rugby in Ireland. The other two is to win the league and the Noordvaal.
My biggest single highlight of my rugby career so far, is being part of the team that won the league last year. That really meant a lot to me as well as our school.
Before and after rugby season I participate in athletics.
Yes, I do intend playing rugby after school, and honestly, playing at the highest level possible.
My greatest rugby hero is Cheslin Kobe. He showed the world that size doesn’t matter and he is just a hard working person. Furthemore he is also full of surprises!
The professional rugby player I would you like to have coffee with? Honestly, that’s a tough one, but I would say Siya Kolisi. He can give me tips on how to captain a team under pressure and make the right decision at the right time.
To describe myself in one word – Being.“
Kyle Gerber:
“I started playing rugby at the age of 9. I enjoy rugby, as it unites us, as young individuals, and encourages us to grow together. The bond that we have formed with one another as a team, is brotherly. Another reason why I decided to play rugby, was due to the fact that it served as a great stress reliever and recreational activity.
With my first rugby game, I felt nervous, since I didn’t want to mess up. I knew that I had to stick to the game plan, but even though this frightened me. I was excited as well because it was my very first game with my teammates. On the other hand, I cannot remember much about my first rugby game, but I do remember that we lost the game. Nevertheless, we played with our hearts, and that is all that matters.
My advice to beginners is to ensure that you know the basics of rugby, and that you can work well in a team.
The position I currently play No. 7, which is blindside flanker, although I have played many other positions before. It include prop, hooker, lock, flank, eighth man, inside centre, full back, as well as left wing. The position that I currently occupy, happens to be my favorite.
The first time I was elected as rugby captain, was in my U14 Squad, along with Caden, being my Co-Captain. The first time I jogged on the rugby field as captain, I was proud to know that I have a team that I can trust and enjoy playing with.
Motivation
As rugby captain I keep my team motivated by building them up and encourage them to work on the mistakes that we make as individuals as well as the mistakes we make as a team. When we play in unity, we win in unity, because there is nothing that we cannot accomplish together.
The abilities/qualities I think a good rugby player should possess, is to ensure that they have good communication skills, and that they can follow instructions from both the captains and the coaches.
My key to success on the rugby field is to ensure that each of us play a clean, fair game. Furthermore, that we always keep our love and passion for the game in mind—as well as for one another.
What inspires me every time I jog on the rugby field for a match, firstly, it is God. Always. And then it is my parents and my family for supporting me and for pushing me to be the best that I can be. Then of course, there is my girlfriend, who is present at every match. She supports me to the point of no return. Also my brother, for creating my passion for the sport and playing alongside me.
Most enjoyable rugby game
It was a game that we played this year on the 12th of May. We played against Westonaria, and Caden (10) had a knee injury and could not kick for a conversion, so I stood up and took the kick. I got the points—the points that were needed for us to win the game.
The game I played which was the most fun, was a game that we played this year on the 12th of May. We played against Westonaria, and Caden (10) had a knee injury and could not kick for a conversion. So I stood up and took the kick. I got the points—the points that were needed for us to win the game!
The rugby game I do not want to remember? They say you only remember a game if you win it, and that is why I do not remember that one—because we lost it.
Rugby decisions I made which I think are good, is that I always ensure that my teammates can carry on playing, even if they are injured. I make calculated moves and changes on the field in order to help who I can and keep them from getting worse. As an example, Caden was moved to wing in order to give him the opportunity to get some rest.
Tough game
After a tough game I first seek advice and speak to my coaches to hear what they see. I also speak with my Co-Captain in order to make sure that we can come up with a solution that will fix it.
Yes, I intend to continue playing rugby after school – on International level. I have been chosen to go to Ireland in December to represent South Africa.
I have already achieved my personal rugby goal for this year, which was getting a try!
My greatest rugby Hero? I don’t have a rugby hero. Each player is great and unique in their own way.
Responsibilities
How do I handle my responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities? After rugby practice during the week, I often have homework to do, so that I can achieve the goals that I have set for myself academically. Socially, having a good work ethic tends to rub off on my team mates, and therefore, I believe that I am uniting us all in a way.
My biggest single highlight of my rugby career so far, was managing to be selected to represent South Africa in Ireland.
Along with rugby at school, I do participate in club rugby, and I actually play for the Khosa U/21 Team.
Which professional rugby player I would like to have coffee with? I don’t drink coffee, but I would like to sit with Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Describe myself in one word? That I cannot do, as there is a lot that describe me. But one thing that I can say, is that I am a happy person. And happy could mean anything.”
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