Sharksworld was fortunate enough to get Bismarck du Plessis to answer some questions for us. In the coming year, we’ll endeavour to do quite a few of these, asking players some questions that hopefully they haven’t been asked before. Thanks a stack to Bismarck’s commercial manager, Hilton Houghton, for setting this up.
Sharksworld: What made your parents decide to call you Bismarck?
Bismarck du Plessis: My parents called me after my grandfather and his old man was named after a war veteran Otto Von Bismarck. We all have family names in our house.
SW: What is the biggest thing you hope to achieve in 2009?
BdP: Winning the Super 14 first and then the Big one: the LIONS TOUR. Oh and how nice would it be to top with the best ever Currie Cup!
SW: Is there any aspect of your game that you feel needs particular attention?
BdP: You can never stop changing your game; that is when you get left behind, so my whole game needs to improve every year.
SW: Would you trust your brother to perform an operation on you?
BdP: I trust my brother with my life, so what is an operation? He is my best friend and my blood.
SW: What is the best thing about living in Durban? And the worst?
BdP: Waking up seeing the blue see and playing for the sharks with my brother. Worst is Jan/Feb because it’s so hot but then there is always good with the bad, especially on the beach
SW: Which coach has had the biggest influence on your career so far? Why?
BdP: I am very fortune to have been coached by great coaches like Jake, Plum, Dic,k Peter and Rassie, but there was a coach Called Maruis Grobler – my first coach – who left his mark on me for ever.
SW: Who could down a sixpack of beer faster, you or your brother?
BdP: We would share it.
SW: Who is the hardest guy you have played with or against?
BdP: Johan Ackermann! Better I played with him than against. I wish you could see the size off him; he will crush your head with 2 fingers!
SW: Do you have any tattoos? If not, would you consider getting one?
BdP: I would love one if I can have one and be able to change it every 6 months and take it off when I want to.
SW: Who is the most laid-back guy in the Sharks team?
BdP: The Coach
Thanks a stack, Bismarck, and all the best for 2009.

funny guy, this 🙂
“SW: Who is the hardest guy you have played with or against?
BdP: Johan Ackermann! Better I played with him than against. I wish you could see the size off him; he will crush your head with 2 fingers!”
BWAAAAHAAAHAAA!!!
Old Johan was an yster no doubt.
Strange that he was named after old Otto – not much liked outside of Germany.
He was a brilliant soldier though.
Hope you have a great season Bismark!
My parents also ‘called’ me after my grandfather. 😉 😆
Most laidback guy the coach.
@McLovin (Comment 3) : was your grandfather mclovin von schmidt
SW: Who could down a sixpack of beer faster, you or your brother?
BdP: We would share it. 🙄
😆
Rob, thanks a stax for the interview with my absolute favorite Shark and Bok! 😛
hey guys, I’m helping someone out with something, if you could assist, I’m pulling blanks. Who do you reckon are the least popular Aussie/NZ players in this years super14? And what order would you put them in?:
AUS:
1. Clyde Rathbone
2. Quade Cooper
NZ:
1. Jimmy Cowan
Any help will do.
@molly (Comment 8) : Brad Thorn?
@robdylan (Comment 9) : oooh, good one.
must say, the answer about sharing the 6-pack is classic!
sharing a 6er.why.
Never heard a guy being so openly affectionate about his brother in public.
Kudo’s to him.
Good interview Rob.
@MorneN (Comment 13) : fanks Morras. I just sent some questions through. Wanted them to be a little different to the run-of-the-mill. The bond of love between these two brothers is frankly uncanny. GREAT stuff.
@robdylan (Comment 14) :
Really enjoyed it – different from the usual garbage you read asking the same thing in different ways.
Keep it up dude.
@MorneN (Comment 15) : wait till you see the ones I asked Kanko 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 14) :
Not many oues can be bliksemed by their brother and then stitched up by him afterwards.
Yeah…funny guy…until he steps on the field…
Nice one Rob – and thanks for sharing Bis…
OOOO I have some AWSOME questions you can ask KanKo!!!
Ohh yea and MorneM i did not mean 2 call u ‘dof’. Well sorta, but in the nicest way possible!
He should get a Tattoo! Tats are awsome!
But like a sharky tattoo or something, or like what about “My fans are awsome” tattoo!
Dont worry guys, when school starts Ill be out of your blogs!… Maybe!
Old people say interesting things!
@NickyB (Comment 19) : He he…I don’t think he’s ready to sign a permanent contract with the Sharks…
You can hang out here for as long as you want- but don’t forget- School is cool! (I hope that sounded old)
Nahhh, After 11years of it!
I am ready 2 say! “Im 2 cool 4 school!” “But ready steady 4 uni!!”
@NickyB (Comment 19) :
No worries, I have been called much worse in the past.
@MorneN (Comment 22) : And there is plenty abuse still to come….waiting for the 14th of Feb 😉 😆
anyone seen my teeth?
@robdylan (Comment 24) : I did, but I can’t remember where…
Hoessit you lot of Geezers.
Finally remembered my password (Alzheimers) and seems the goode ol’ Oirish coffee steadies the Parkinsososososons (ok, to some extent at least).
:bentoveroldguywithwalkingring:
Ok, back to the subject… Anyone by any chance also attended Kovsies while the Du Plessis bro’s were still there, and knew more than the average Joe about them? Please put up your hand so’s I can confirm something?
BobD, you sure the Tooth Fairy didn’t come round?…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 25) :
What are teeth? 😥
Oh what bad luck being named (called) after his grandfather…
SW: Do you have any tattoos? If not, would you consider getting one?
BdP: I would love one if I can have one….
Hope the mother did not say no…LoL 😀
Enjoyed the interview. Nice work.