Jean Deysel’s return to active duty with the Cell C Sharks has been marked by the renowned physicality that made him such a crowd-pleaser before leaving for Japan.
However, he returned to the Province where it all happened for him and in the past fortnight, he has shown that he has lost none of his venom with his trademark hand-offs and monster hits on the New Zealand opposition.
And he couldn’t be happier, back in Durban where, it appears, the saying rings true: ‘Home is where the heart is.’
“I’ve been away for a while so just being back has been a great privilege,” he admits emphatically.
“I missed it and so getting back into the team, with the feeling of the ball in your hands is a fantastic feeling; I’m definitely enjoying myself at the moment.”
As someone who was previously a part of the squad, left on very emotional terms which suggested at the time it was no easy decision to leave, and has now returned to a vastly different set-up, with a new coaching group and many new faces who were not yet around when he last played for the Cell C Sharks, he is uniquely qualified to assess the current group.
“We have a great bunch of guys, some who have experience and others still young, but great prospects for the future. There are some great plans for the union as well and I’m enjoying every moment and trying to be the best person I can be for this team. Hopefully together, we can take this union to the next level.”
As one in a group of hugely talented loose forwards looking to play regularly, he knows that he must play the twin role of pushing for his spot, but also acting in a mentoring role for the youngsters in the team.
“The du Preez twins are going to be phenomenal for this team, and for me to be a part of it and hopefully pass some knowledge on to them would be great,” he explains. “And competition is never a bad thing, it certainly brings out the best in me.”
While it can be frustrating to have to wait for your chance, for Jean it was always a case of seeing the bigger picture. “I knew I’d get a chance, and with the competition for places here being so tough, when you get the chance, you need to grab it with both hands. And I’m really enjoying myself which is really important, one must never lose that enjoyment factor.”
Enjoyment is one thing, but the challenge ahead is something else. Certainly, the Cell C Sharks can expect a test against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
“They’re a brilliant side and hitting form at the right stage of the competition,” he points out. “We’re looking forward to a physical battle on the weekend and we’ll be coming out firing.”
This is their final match in a stretch of five games against New Zealand opposition and the hope is to finish off on a happy note. “We would like to end the New Zealand stretch well before two more games and then a bye. “We’ll be throwing everything into the next three weeks, bash the bodies a bit and then take a well-earned break.”
On a personal note he’s enjoying the opportunity to ‘express himself’ as he calls it.
“The body is feeling great, I’m feeling strong. I haven’t played much so I’m looking to contribute as much as possible.”
The post Jean Deysel’s Return appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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