‘Oupa’ Bismarck showing youngsters how to run and gun

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His Vodacom Bulls teammates now affectionately refer to him as “oupa”, but Bismarck du Plessis is proving that he still has some gas left in the tank.

The 79-capped Springbok put in a vintage performance in the Bulls’ 53-27 mauling of the Griquas in the Currie Cup on Saturday.

The 37-year-old hooker was omnipresent on and off the ball for the visitors in Kimberley. Du Plessis’ bullocking carries and solid set-piece play complemented his tireless work at the breakdown, with the burly veteran even popping up out wide with some impressive offloads.

“The oupa played well! He’s showing us youngsters how to play rugby, and I’m just so proud of him and I enjoy playing with him,” Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee said.

“He is a character in the team, and the young guys just feed off his experience. But ja, great performance from him.”

Coach Gert Smal added: “It seems like he’s not getting older. It’s good to have him in the squad, and it just shows his value. I think he gives a lot of confidence to the players around him, and it’s lovely to have him.”

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Devin Hermanus