Emile van Heerden puts injury curse behind him to step up to the plate for Sharks

During the Sharks’ 45-0 demolition of Munster last week, there was a special moment for young lock Emile van Heerden, who scored a superb try when he took a crisp pass from Grant Williams.

It was special because it was a reward for a player who has almost literally been crippled with knee and shoulder injuries since coming to the Sharks as a Junior Springbok four years ago. Van Heerden, the son of former Springbok lock Fritz, seemed to have a career to the top mapped out for him, but each time he came back from an injury, he would suffer another setback. As a result, the tag “up-and-coming youngster” has stuck.

“My career has taken a different path because of things I could not control,” the Paarl Boys’ High product said. “In the past three seasons, injuries have kept me out of the game for long spells. But this season, I have been able to look after my body and stay on the field. I have had a good run of game time, and hopefully it will continue.”

Van Heerden’s comeback has been important for the Sharks because of the three-month suspension of Eben Etzebeth. He has had to step up and control the lineouts. Has he felt the pressure?

“Pressure might not be the right word. I think it’s a responsibility,” said the 25-year-old. “As a No. 5 lock and caller, it’s your job to run the lineout. It’s also an opportunity to show what we are capable of. It makes my job much easier playing with the quality players we have at the Sharks.”

The Sharks’ faultless lineout played a big part in the Sharks’ win because it gave them a strong platform to launch attacks.

“Credit to our coaches and the other players like Jason (Jenkins), Vince (Tshituka), and our lifters, we got our prep spot on. 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 very good with the prep.”

Van Heerden says the Sharks this week are expecting a rebound from Cardiff at Kings Park. The Welsh side got hammered last week by the Bulls.

“Cardiff are a quality team, and you can see that from their fifth place on the log,” he said. “They had a tough game last weekend, but we expect them to lift when they come to The Tank.”

Van Heerden commented on the team’s happy celebrations at the end of the Munster game when centurion Makazole Mapimpi scored two late tries.

“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.”