Hollywoodbets Sharks lock Emile van Heerden has really started coming into his own as a lineout specialist, adding a try against Munster last week to his repertoire of abilities and underlining his invaluable contribution to his team’s cause.
The absence of Springbok Eben Etzebeth has thrust van Heerden into the spotlight with greater and greater intensity over the last few months, but this has only helped him to grow as a key man in the lineout without feeling the burden of his role.
“Pressure might not be the right word. I think it’s a responsibility,” the 25-year-old admits.
“As a five lock and caller, it’s your job to run the lineout. It’s a responsibility and opportunity to show what we have here. It makes my job much easier playing with the quality players we have at the Hollywoodbets Sharks.”
After the 45-nil drubbing of Munster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, Cardiff come to Durban, facing a mountain against a highly-motivated Hollywoodbets Sharks side.
“We take confidence out of the Munster game, but our focus is now on Cardiff this weekend.”
Cardiff suffered a 40-7 loss in Pretoria, but the fifth-placed top Welsh performers are every bit as dangerous as one expects from a team that high up on the log.
“The log shows their quality, they’re in the top half. They had a tough game against the Vodacom Bulls last week, but we’re expecting them to take it up a gear when they come to the Tank.
“In saying that, we’ve prepared well and we know we have new responsibilities to put pride in the jersey. We’ve been up and down this season, but we want to perform consistently.”
The former Junior Springbok, who made his debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in 2021, has grown into his role in the second row, commanding regular starts as a senior lineout specialist.
The son of Springbok lock Fritz van Heerden who played 14 tests between 1994 and 1999, he admits that his father is a big part of his rugby life.
“He’s had an instrumental role in my life, not only as a coach but also as a father. He’s always given me an objective opinion of how my game was. Sometimes there were tough conversations, but we have a good relationship so it comes from a place of love.
“He’s helped me a lot and even now, I phone him after a game and find out his thoughts on my strong points and what I can do better at.”
As the son of a former Bok, he admits that following in his father’s footsteps is important, but not a pressured path.
“I don’t see it as a burden of responsibility; there is no pressure on me. The way he raised me, I was allowed to choose any sport I liked, I did mountain biking, hockey, swimming, water polo and he never forced me in any way. He was a supporter.
“As it turned out, I wasn’t bad at rugby and he in turn helped me develop my game with his insights.”
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