New (old) Sharks loose forward Jean Deysel – affectionately known as “Wolscooter” since his Varsity days for reason on which we dare not speculate – is back at Kings Park and faced up to a media scrum yesterday. We have some quotes to share, courtesy of the Sharks.
On his return:
I’m very happy to be back, when Gary spoke to me about three weeks ago it was an easy decision to make. It’s always good coming back to Durban, to see the players again and it’s a great union to play for. So it was an easy decision once Gary offered me the opportunity. When I initially signed the contract, I didn’t think I’d be coming back, it was a late decision for me. It wasn’t on the cards not that long ago, so it feels great to be here now.
On South Africa:
I missed the braais to be honest. Being in Japan was a great experience and a real learning curve. Toyota is a great club and they are so eager to learn and develop their rugby, not just in general but as a culture. For me to go there and see that was awesome, but this is home and it’s where all my friends and family are. There were a lot of things I missed and it’s really good to be back.
On his return to Super Rugby on Saturday:
I can’t remember when I’ve been that nervous before a game. Maybe eight years ago when I played my first game, but I think I was even more nervous this time around. I must take my hat off to the guys and the coaching staff, they made it so much easier to fit in and get into the game plan. Everyone had a massive impact during the week, so it was much easier for me to fin back in because everyone helped so much.
On Gary Gold’s influence:
Gary has been great, the way he speaks and thinks about the game is phenomenal. He puts so much preparation into the game you almost feel like you have to do your part just to catch up. He has been very influential not just for me, but for the whole team.
On the intensity of Super Rugby:
I played just 30 minutes on Saturday, and I battled to get out of the car on Sunday, whereas I played in Japan, and Sunday’s were good. It’s a lot more physical, you do miss that and the heavy competitiveness of it. And it actually feels good to get up on a Sunday and really feel like it was a tough game the day before.
On the Lions challenge:
The Lions have a very good loose-trio and they’ve been playing together for a while now. They link together well and do the job that the coaches want them to do. So we will need to match them not just physically, but skills-wise as well. We’ll prepare well and hopefully get one over them this Saturday.
On his role in the team and the squad:
The way Gary structures the game, it’s about sharing the (ball-carrying) load, but for me, being involved on Saturday, it was just good to be back and I just wanted to have the ball in my hands. But you still have to stay in the structures that have been set out, but it’s about sharing the work-load.
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Great to have him back!
Really happy with his return – one of the real stalwarts over the last few seasons.
So happy he’s back I could cry.
@StevieS (Comment 3) : don’t cry 🙂
“I didn’t think I’d come back”. A lot can be read between the lines there I suspect 🙂
@vanmartin (Comment 5) : a huge amount yeah
Using a word that another much-loved Sharks loosie was so fond of using: I’m CHUFFED that Wolla is back!!
@robdylan (Comment 4) : I’ll try lol
Bloody happy you’re back Wolla.
Is his club’s name Toyota?
@Ben (Comment 9) : Toyota Verblitz, yes
Oh thought it was just Toyota. Wanted to give the whale killers ten out of ten for their creativity.
A true Shark through and through, never really wanted to leave, he enjoys a positive atmosphere and that there is aplenty now. Glad to have him back!
@Richard (Comment 12) : ja wonder why he did……. ag forget the past just glad he’s back!!!!!!!!!!
Team has been announced ages ago already.
The Tank is on the bench 😛
@JarsonX (Comment 15) : Yes and Two Step is on the field.
Uli, you just jealous cause you can’t dance 😉 😈
@JarsonX (Comment 17) : hehe 😉
Great to have Jean back!!