Having played second fiddle to John Smit for most of his career, Bismarck du Plessis will again be a back-up at the Sharks in 2012.

Sharks coach John Plumtree revealed on Monday that loose forward Keegan Daniel would captain the Sharks in 2012, with seasoned Bok hooker Du Plessis as his deputy.

Plumtree feels these are two players who "lead from the front" and that staying with Daniel - who was also the Sharks' Currie Cup captain year - would allow for some continuity in Durban.

"I was really impressed with Keegan during the Currie Cup last year, the way he grew as a leader in what was a difficult campaign," Plumtree said on the Sharks' website.

"It was a campaign where we had to deal with a number of interruptions, through injury and Springboks coming back. So it was difficult to manage and I thought he did really well."

Daniel was a popular choice with his teammates, with Plumtree revealing: "He has the respect of all the players in the team which is obviously very important and also for the way he plays.

"And his friendliness and the person he is off the field make him a popular leader. I'm giving him this opportunity to keep the growth going and we'll see how it goes.

"I think the biggest thing - and I can't emphasise it more - is that he has the support of all his teammates.

"Ultimately, he was their choice as their leader. You can't get a better endorsement than that from your peers."

Plumtree added that he was happy to have a player of Du Plessis's quality as back-up.

"Keegan can't play every game, so Bismarck du Plessis will be vice-captain," the Sharks boss said, "again, it's the same thing: a guy that leads by example.

"He's also very astute in terms of tactics so I am keen to have his leadership and to give him the responsibility to grow within the group as well.

"Both of these players are ultimate competitors, they are real Sharks men with a real love for this jersey and it means a lot to them.

"The majority of your leadership comes through actions and often words come second.

"Both these boys are right up there in that department."