The 30-year-old, who was among the most capped players in
the competition with 120 appearances, would be supported by vice-captains Pat
Lambie, Frans Steyn and Tera Mtembu.
The way the modern game is going it is not about individuals
but a group of leaders who share ideas and work together as a team in order to
achieve the desired results," new director of rugby, Gary Gold, said on
Friday.
These four players have proven their leadership ability and
commitment to the Sharks over the years and they will be able to rally the
group and get the best out of their teammates."
Du Plessis had served as vice-captain of the Springboks in
recent seasons and his first assignment under Gold, the man named to succeed
Jake White late last year, would be a pre-season friendly against French giants
Toulon next week.
Lambie, aged 24, had also previously served as a number two,
while 27-year-old Steyn led the Sharks two seasons ago.
Mtembu, 24, became the first black captain of the Sharks
when he spearheaded their Currie Cup campaign last season.
The Sharks, who open their Super Rugby season against the
Cheetahs in Durban on February 14, would name their squad for the competition
on Monday.
On Friday they announced a list of 26 players travelling to
France to face the European champions at Stade Mayol next Thursday.
Jannie du Plessis, Willem Alberts and Thomas du Toit were
the only major absentees as they continued their recovery from injuries.
Gold had officially linked-up with the team for the first
time since his club commitments in Japan.
This match will provide us with the ideal opportunity to
test combinations as we look to conclude our preparations ahead of the start of
the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament
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