30 seconds: with Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis

10 July 2011 - 01:01 By Craig Ray
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JANNIE DU PLESSIS
JANNIE DU PLESSIS

What is your occupation, doctor, farmer or professional rugby player?

(Laughs) ... all of the above.

Why do props tend to be the most educated players in the team?

Because they are the smartest.

Why is the Crusaders scrum so dominant and will that translate to the All Blacks having the best scrum in the Tri-Nations?

The Crusaders scrummed really well this year because they worked well as a unit. But, if we apply ourselves, we can do just as well, even better. We're looking forward to facing them again as it's a very big challenge.

Is scrum dominance about strength or technique?

More than strength and technique. It's also about speed, working well together and being tight as a unit.

What mental and physical requirements are needed to be a world-class tighthead?

You have to be single-minded, goal orientated, love the challenge and have a fair share of mongrel.

Who is the toughest loosehead you've come up against?

In 2011, Wyatt Crockett of the Crusaders had a great season. As a youngster, propping down against Os du Randt at his peak was a massive challenge. I also have huge respect for the scrumming prowess of my old schoolmate Wian du Preez.

You have strong views, so do your teammates get frustrated with your opinions?

Rugby is about a lot of guys with strong opinions - even though you do get frustrated from time to time, we're open to each other's opinions and we always work things out to be on the same page for the greater good of the team. If anyone steps out of line, the Sheriff (Juan Smith) will cut you down to size.

What have they done to let you know how they feel?

(Laughs). Since I spent so much time behind the books, my Bok teammates made fun of me on tour, comparing me to a nerdy geek. They gave me a T-shirt that said something like: "Stuff Google, just ask me!"

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