One-on-one with Paul Jordaan
South African U20 sensation Paul Jordaan was very instrumental in beating the English at the Cape Town Stadium, 12 June 2012. Photo by Gallo Images
Paul Jordaan, the exciting Sharks utility back has finally got the chance to hit the lime light, and that he most certainly did. The young former Grey College scholar has been shinning on the International Seven circuit for the past few years; however, many of us were waiting for him to produce the goods in the fifteen man code.
A lack of game time at his current franchise The Sharks has been frustrating for his fans as well as his followers since was a high school boy. At just 20 years old, Jordaan has already left his mark on two IRB Junior World Championships. In all honesty, 2011 was not a good tournament for him or any of his team mates. 2012 was a different ball game altogether.
Paul got injured in the early in the Baby Boks semi final against the Pumitas of Argentina at DHL Newlands. The was a big blow for both himself and his team. Paul alongside his Grey College team mate William Small-Smith, were both heavily instrumental in South Africa making the play-offs after their devastating opening game loss to the less fancied Irish. William Small-Smith himself got injured in the semi final against the Argentines. South Africa were able to cruise through the second half against Argentina, thanks to a Blitzkrieg against the South Americans in the opening forty minutes.
Despite missing the final through injury both Jordaan and Small-Smith deservedly received IRB Junior World Champion winners’ medals on Friday night.
With players such as Paul Jordaan, William Small-Smith, Jan Serfontein and Johan Goosen, South African rugby is in a very healthy state of affairs. In the not too distant future we will most certainly witness these four Grey old boys running out in the hallowed green-and-gold, proudly displaying the iconic Springbok on their chest.
Paul took some time off in Cape Town during the IRB Junior World Championship to have a few words with Samantha Evans and Mandi Venter.
Q: You guys got off to a bit of a shaky start but clearly things improved. What do you think happened?
A: We definitely didn’t get off to the best start. Ireland were better than us on the night but luckily we turned it around. We really did well against England and I think that gave the guys a lot of confidence and it definitely showed in the semi-final against Argentina.
Q: Unfortunately you got injured. Tell us more.
A: I hurt my hamstring in training in the second last week of the tournament. I sat out for 2 days and then had captains training. It all went well at captains and I was fine before the game at warm ups. Then the first minute of the game as I started playing I felt it. The doctor says it’s a grade 2 tear so I will be out for about 3 weeks.
Q: When did you start playing professionally?
A: I started in primary school, played for EP under 12 and under 13. From there played for Free State under 16 and 2 years under 18. After school I went to the 7’s and played 3 or 4 tournaments. And from there played Sharks under 19 and under 21 for the rest of the Currie Cup. Played SA under 20 last year and this year I was fortunate enough to play Super Rugby.
Q: Your best moment in rugby to date?
A: The memory that sticks out for me is I scored a try against Fiji in Las Vegas in the finals. And then my first cap for the Sharks at Loftus with a full house.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Well I enjoy what I do. When I get up in the morning I look forward to training and getting out there to enjoy the rugby so that’s what motivates me.
Q: When you first started playing rugby, did you have a role model?
A: When I first started playing in high school I used to play fly half, so I used to look up to Dan Carter a lot.
Q: What do you want to do when your rugby career is over?
A: I grew up on a farm in the Eastern Cape (about 60km from Craddock), so after rugby I definitely want to go back to the farm. Do a bit of farming and hunting.
Q: Favourite Food?
A: Fillet Steak
Q: Favourite music?
A: Any music
Q: Favourite colour?
A: Red
Q: Holiday destination?
A: Definitely one of the islands. Like Fiji.
Q: Favourite movie?
A: Never back down
Q: What other sports do you enjoy playing or watching?
A: I enjoy playing golf in my off time. And I love watching athletics.
Q: Who’s the best player to room with?
A: Definitely Tim Whitehead. He’s an awesome person and an awesome roomie.
Q: If Hollywood was to make a movie out of your life, who would play you?
A: Brad Pitt
Q: What would we find in your fridge right now?
A: I live in a house with 6 guys and we eat quite a lot, so a little bit of everything.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that no one knows
A: I like to do bow hunting.
Interview conducted by Samantha Evans & Mandi Venter.
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