Emile van Heerden is relishing the added responsibility in the Sharks pack.
With veteran Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth unavailable since November due to suspension, Van Heerden has played a key role in the second row.
“Pressure might not be the right word. I think it’s a responsibility,” the 25-year-old said ahead of Friday night’s Vodacom URC clash against Cardiff at Kings Park.
“As a No 5 lock and caller, it’s your job to run the lineout. It’s also an opportunity to show what [players] we have here. It makes my job much easier playing with the quality players we have at the Sharks.”
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The lineout was a key platform in last week’s 45-0 win over Munster.
“Credit to our coaches and the other players like Jason [Jenkins], Vincent [Koch]. We put in a lot of work and try to prepare as well as we can.
“Having guys like Marvin [Orie] and Eben here, who have tons of experience, really helps,” he added. “They sit in meetings and give advice. [Forwards] Coach Warren [Whiteley] has also been really good with prep.”
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Off the field, Van Heerden continues to lean on guidance from his dad, former Springbok forward Fritz van Heerden.
“He’s played an instrumental role in my career, not only as a coach but as a father,” he said. “He gives me an objective opinion. Sometimes those are tough conversations, but they come from a place of love.
“I don’t see it as a burden. There’s no pressure on me. He’s just supported me and helped me develop my game.”
Van Heerden expects a strong response from Cardiff, who lost 40-7 to the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus.
“Cardiff are a quality team and you can see that from where they are on the log [fifth],” he said. “They had a tough game last weekend, but we expect them to lift when they come to the Tank.”
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Van Heerden also reflected on Makazole Mapimpi’s 100th appearance for the Sharks, marked by two late tries against Munster.
“He means a lot to South African rugby, not just the Sharks,” he said. “Reaching 100 games is something to celebrate. It was special to see him score two tries and make it a memorable occasion.
“We want to make it special for players on those occasions – whether it’s a 100th game, 50th or a debut. We didn’t do that against the Bulls two weeks ago, but this meant a lot.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Emile thriving in Eben’s absence appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
With Eben Etzebeth unavailable, Emile van Heerden has embraced the added responsibility at the Sharks.
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