Akker loving life at Sharks
Powerhouse hooker Akker van der Merwe joined the Sharks from the Lions to get more time.
The 26-year-old spent three years at the Lions playing second fiddle to incumbent Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx – and it’s not hard to understand why Van der Merwe jumped at the chance to join another Union and get some more game time.
The newcomer has been warmly welcomed at the Shark Tank – and the ‘warthog’ as he’s affectionately known has been one of the top signings this year.
Playing second fiddle to a top-choice player can be a highly frustrating situation, but Van der Merwe said he just wanted to be more involved – prompting his move to the Sharks.
“At the end of the day you want to play rugby. I just want to play and get some gametime – and to be honest I’ve played more in these last three games thann pretty much the rest of the year. The main thing for me is the game time,” Van der Merwe said.
The burly hooker will certainly push for a starting berth in Super Rugby next year, which will keep both Franco Marais and Chiliboy Ralepelle on their feet. In any case, coach Rob du Preez will be smiling at the quality of depth he now has at hooker
With that said, Van der Merwe seems focused on contributing to what is becoming a stellar Currie Cup season for the Durban outfit. Having been with the Lions through thick and thin, Van der Merwe insists that belief can get them a home final.
“I’m not going to complain, we said we want to be undefeated ever since that first loss. We’re almost top of the log and we’ll sort that one this weekend.
“We’ve got that confidence in the team, we just have to keep on believing and know there is a good that we can get a home final – that makes it a lot easier, you don’t have to travel and you’ll be in front of your home crowd.”
While he was always a workhorse at the Lions, Van der Merwe says the Sharks structures and playing styles suits his style of play.
“It’s nice, everyone is involved. I like to run with the ball and here at the Sharks the hooker is one of the main ball carriers. Everyone has been so nice both on and off the field – it’s been good.”
The Sharks will take on the Cheetahs this weekend at Growthpoint Kings Park - with the winner claiming top spot on the Currie Cup log. The home side will fancy their chances, with the Cheetahs putting out a second string outfit while their top players start life up north in the Pro14 against Ulster on Friday night in Ireland.