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Du Plessis: Getting better and better
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Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis feels that his vast improvement in defence has seen him cement down a starting spot in Peter de Villiers' side.
The Sharks tighthead was for a long time a bit-part player in the South African set-up as he found himself behind CJ van der Linde, BJ Botha and John Smit in the pecking order in his position.
But after impressive all-round performances in his last few outings for the national team, the 27-year-old seems to have secured his place as a first-choice tighthead.
"Most rugby players know what their strengths and weaknesses are," he told SuperSport.com.
"I don't think defence was one of my strengths. I went to speak to the Sharks' biokineticist and fitness coaches about the areas I wanted to work on and defence was one of them.
"You can't pick someone if you doubt his defensive ability because you defend for half the game. It's something I have focused on.
"It's nice to be able to feel comfortable in the defensive line. When those quick backs run at you it's not that scary anymore."
Comments
5Lock4ward says...
He'd probably feel even better if his brother was handed the Springbok #2 jersey, which he more than deserves.
Posted 13:04 02nd September 2010