The 2nd and Article in the set discussing the Sharks Super Rugby players for 2012.

In this Article we look at the contenders for HOOKERS in the Sharks 2012 Super Rugby group, and what their worth will be in Super Rugby terms.

The Contenders:

Name: Bismarck Wilhelm (Bismarck) du Plessis

Date of Birth: 22/05/1984
Place of Birth: Bethlehem
Position: Hooker
Height: 1.89 m
Weight: 111 kg
High School: Grey College (Bloem)
Club: Fidelity Security Jaguars

A native of the town of Bethlehem in the Free State province, Bismarck du Plessis made his debut for the Sharks in Super Rugby (then the Super 12) in 2005. As he plays hooker and played in the same team as South Africa’s captain, John Smit, for much of his career he has been a backup to Smit; however, this has changed with Smit’s recent move to the UK. Whilst John Smit played hooker, he sometimes also moved to prop, which gave Bismarck much needed game time and therefore he has played in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup and in 2007 was selected to play for South Africa in the Tri Nations Series.

He made his debut for South Africa as a substitute in the same game against Australia in Sydney in which his older brother, Jannie, who was in the starting XV, also made his Springboks debut.The du Plessis brothers became the 23rd set of brothers to earn caps for South Africa at rugby union.

Following an illness to Pierre Spies, Bismarck du Plessis was called into South Africa’s squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup whilst his brother Jannie was a later addition to the squad, replacing BJ Botha, who injured a knee in South Africa’s final pool match against the USA.

During the 2008 end-of-year Test series, the Springboks moved Smit to tighthead in order to accommodate both him and the younger, faster du Plessis in the front row together, this change has continued through the 2009 Super 14 season and into the Boks following seasons.

After South Africa’s second game of the 2008 Tri Nations Series, against New Zealand, du Plessis was cited for an eye-gouge on New Zealand’s Adam Thomson. At the subsequent disciplinary hearing, which was the first of his career, the judicial officer found that his action had been “careless”, not deliberate, and imposed a three-week suspension, a significantly lower penalty than the three-to-six months’ suspensions routinely imposed for deliberate eye-gouging.

This combative, fiery player, brings in the skills of a loose forward with his barging running, tough tackling and ability to play the fetcher’s role. A brutal competitive streaks runs through the double Rugby World Cup player who will use 2012 to establish himself as one of the world’s premier hookers. He combines immense physical strength on and off the ball to dominate and his inner determination and drive and work on and off the field, makes him one of the ultimate sportsmen. Named 2012 deputy captain.

Tours: Ireland & Scotland, 2007; RWC in France, Wales & Scotland, 2007; Wales & England, 2007, British Isles, 2008; France, Italy, Ireland & England, 2009; British Isles & Ireland, 2010; RWC in New Zealand, 2011.
Honours: SA Rugby Player of the Year nominee, 2008, 2011.
Brother of Jannie du Plessis, with which he holds the Springbok record for most Tests with a brother (Jannie) (20)

Name: Craig Burden

Date of Birth: 13/05/1985
Place of Birth: Durban
Position: Hooker
Height: 1.84 m
Weight: 100 kg
High School: Maritzburg College
Club: Jonsson College Rovers

Having made the remarkable transition from wing-cum-centre to hooker, Craig’s develpment has been ongoing over the past few years. In the absence of John Smit in 2008, Craig played a vital role for The Sharks while his development in 2009 came in the Vodacom Cup and again in the Absa Currie Cup where his explosiveness has made him a valuable player.

This Maritzburg College old boy made his provincial debut in 2006 against the Pumas, for the Sharks, and in 2007 for the Sharks as well in the Super 14.

He used his opportunities well last year in the absence of John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis during the international season, and now with John Smit playing his rugby in the UK, the former backline player will look to earn more game time at hooker. An explosive runner and a tough tackler, his strengths are his speed and acceleration.

Name: Kyle Cooper

Date of Birth: 10/02/1989
Place of Birth: Johannesburg
Position: Hooker
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 106 kg
High School: Glenwood Boys High School
Club: Jonsson College Rovers

This Glenwood old boy has come through the ranks at the Sharks and played for South Africa in the IRB Junior Championships.

Kyle played for the Sharks Under 19’s and Under 21’s before making his debut for the senior Sharks side in the ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division against Griquas, thereafter earning a few starts in the 2011 Currie Cup campaign. A tough, nuggety front rower with plenty of power, possessing aggression and acceleration.

Name: Monde Hadebe

Date of Birth: 09/12/1990
Place of Birth: Durban
Position: Hooker
Height: 1.77m
Weight: 100kg
High School: Westville Boys High
Club: Jonsson College Rovers

Monde has played for South Africa Under 20’s and is another home-grown Shark.

Monde made his debut for the Sharks during the Currie Cup in 2011 following some important performances for the Sharks Under 21’s, especially as captain for the junior team who went on to contest the Under 21 Final. He adds solid depth to a vital position in the team and brings with him a professionalism so important at this age.

Starters:

The Battleship, Bismarck du Plessis, is sure to start, with Craig Burden sure to be a bench regular.

This was the SECOND article in the range dealing with the Sharks, the LOCKS will be up next.