Sharks captain Bismarck du Plessis says that he will call on former captain Keegan Daniel to help him with his new role.

Du Plessis' first task as captain will be to lead the team in a pre-season friendly against English club Saracens on Saturday at Allianz Park in London.

‘The first person who came to me after the captaincy was announced was Keegan Daniel, expressing his support for me,’ said Du Plessis.

‘He’s a vital member of our side, a very important player and I’ve asked him to help me, just as I supported him as captain. He has admitted his willingness to be there for me and I’m privileged to have that assistance and support. Frans Steyn has also captained the team, Jean Deysel too; we have a lot of leaders, they will help me make the right calls during the season.

‘I wouldn’t be in Durban if it didn’t mean a lot to me playing here, I really love the Sharks. They have been very good to me over the 10 years or so that I have been here and I’m really looking forward to playing again in Super Rugby.’

Du Plessis believes the clash against Saracens is a chance to ‘test some new combinations and tick a few boxes'.

‘It would be nice to win the Super Rugby tournament, but we’re going to be taking it game by game. If you get too far ahead of yourself you’ll stumble more often than not. But we do have a strong side and we’re backing ourselves,’ he added.

Sharks and Saracens squads for Saturday

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images