Emile van Heerden mentioned he doesn’t really feel strain in calling lineouts for the Sharks, who’ve probably the most steals within the competitors.
The set-piece has been pivotal to the Sharks’ technique this season, with the workforce topping the United Rugby Championship scrum statistics and rating second in lineouts.
Lock Emile van Heerden, who calls the aspect’s lineouts, mentioned all of it got here collectively of their 45-0 thrashing of Munster final weekend. They received 13 of their 14 lineouts, and stole three.
The set-piece will once more be vital in Friday night time’s residence match in opposition to Cardiff (kick-off 7pm), who Van Heerden mentioned would wish to bounce again from their poor 40-7 defeat to the Bulls at Loftus.
Sharks search consistency
“I feel Cardiff is a top quality workforce,” he mentioned. “You possibly can see that from the place they’re on the log [fifth].
“They’d a tricky recreation in opposition to the Bulls at Loftus. We’re undoubtedly anticipating them to gear up and are available to the tank. In saying that, we’ve ready effectively.”
He mentioned the Sharks had been “up and down” this season, recording 5 wins from 13 video games to lie eleventh on the desk.
They’ve six wins out of 10 since JP Pietersen took over, however they’re out to win their final 5 matches to maneuver into the highest eight and qualify for playoffs.
“We wish to take confidence out of final week however give attention to this recreation and the brand new accountability to place pleasure into the jersey. We actually wish to carry out week out and in constantly.”
Orie and Etzebeth lend lineout expertise
The Sharks have received 169 lineouts and misplaced 27 for an 86% success fee to this point this URC. They’ve probably the most steals (25 with first-placed Stormers on 20).
Van Heerden mentioned he doesn’t really feel strain as a lot as accountability to run the lineouts effectively for the workforce.
“As a 5 lock and caller, it’s your job to run it. It’s a accountability and alternative to point out what now we have right here. It makes my job a lot simpler if I play with high quality gamers like now we have right here on the Sharks.”
He mentioned the likes of Springboks Marvin Orie and Eben Etzebeth deliver “tons of expertise” to the Sharks’ discussions on lineouts, whereas assistant coach Warren Whiteley has additionally helped with preparation.
Van Heerden, a former Junior Springbok, mentioned his recreation was clicking this 12 months because of a scarcity of harm, which plagued him for the final three seasons.
“This season I’ve been capable of take care of my physique, keep on the sector and get an excellent spherical of recreation time. I have to say I’m blessed and hoping we are able to proceed this manner.”
Van Heerden receives enter from his Springbok father
He added that although his father, Fritz, was a Springbok lock, he didn’t really feel strain to achieve the higher echelons of rugby.
“The best way he raised me since I used to be a boy, he opened the ground up to decide on any sport I like. I did mountain biking, I performed hockey, I did swimming, I performed water polo.
“He by no means pressured me right into a path or sport. He was a supporter. Because it turned out I wasn’t too dangerous at rugby. It was useful as a result of he might give me insights and assist me develop my recreation.”
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