Jack Capil will make his starting debut for the Southland Stags on Thursday night in Whangarei. We sat down with the Star big man to chat about his rugby story and the opportunity he is keen to grab with both hands.

RS: Tell us about last week’s experience playing on Rugby Park in a Southland Otago clash. That must have been pretty special?

JC: Yeah it was a real special time for me eh? Otago’s obviously the big rival and I’ve always dreamed of playing them and to do it on Rugby Park in front of a friends and family pretty vocal crowd was a really proud moment for me.

RS: Have things fallen in to place with the Stags a bit quicker than you thought they might at the start of the year?

JC: Yeah I guess so. I think last year I was involved sort of as a lock that could cover the loosies. This year I’m more a loosie or a six that can cover lock, so it’s sort of a different role for me and obviously just learning off guys like Phil (Halder) and Tony (Lamborn) has been big for me. I’ve just tried to take it step by step and improve, especially at trainings when you learn off guys like that.

RS: You’re getting a start this week with Phil out with injury. Obviously, that’s a blow for the team with the way he’s been throwing himself into it.

JC: Yeah, he’s a pretty inspirational sort of player old Phil so losing him is a pretty big loss for us, but we’re positive and we’re looking towards Northland and it’s a good opportunity to improve again and for me to keep learning and we’re excited to get up there and give it a good crack.

RS: Give us your rugby story Jack.

JC: I’m from Southland, so I’ve loved the Stags since I was a wee fella. I played for Southland in age grades and went to Southland Boys High School so rugby’s sort of been a big thing for me. When I left school, I joined Star Rugby Club and just sort of been a part of the wider Stag system for a few years and then got picked up last year. So, this year I’m looking to take my opportunities when I can and I’m just happy with the way things are going at the moment.

RS: You’ve obviously got an opportunity to grab the start tonight. What’s the focus for you in your first run-on start?

JC: I think for me a big thing is physicality, so I’ll look to go out there and improve in that area and just understanding my role. A big thing for us is nailing our individual roles and the minor details that lead to bigger things, so that’s a big thing for me.

RS: I know there’s been some challenges from a results perspective, but is there still a good feeling in the camp?

JC: The mood’s really good. We’ve got a really good coaching group and the culture is really good so we’re staying positive and looking towards each game like it’s another chance to show what we’ve got. We do that in patches, but mentally staying in there when the going gets a bit tough is something we challenge ourselves to do and we’re going to look to improve on that again this week. 

RS: And Northland will be a decent challenge. What’s your thoughts on your opponent?

JC: Yeah, they’ve got a good side with some good x-factor players, so for me personally I’m looking forward to going up there and seeing how that goes but as a team you know we get to test ourselves against what is a pretty decent side.
 

RS: Good luck mate, go well on Thursday.

JC: Thanks so much.

Image via Daryl Winter. Article added: Wednesday 19 September 2018