Engelbrecht gets chance with Sharks

[caption id="attachment_100678" align="alignright" width="210"] GERHARD ENGELBRECHT[/caption]

SHARKS’ tighthead prop Gerhard Engelbrecht is not entirely new to rugby, even though he has had more success in judo.

The Afrikaans Seuns Hoërskool product earned national colours in the martial art before he decided on a career in rugby.

He is another prop the Bulls have let go and in the midst of the Sharks’ scrum struggles this season, he seems to be a godsend.

The Sharks are without the services of regular tighthead Lourens Adriaanse through injury, along with Juan Schoeman, while the use of Thomas du Toit on both sides of the scrums has had mixed results.

Engelbrecht, who made the leap from the Valke after junior rugby stints at the Blue Bulls and a season with the University of Pretoria, knows he is still in the formative years of his scrumming trade.

He is grateful for the opportunity he has received from the Sharks through a short time with College Rovers, but he knows he still has a long way to go.

“The step-up from club rugby to Currie Cup has been a big one, especially from a tempo perspective.

“The pace of club rugby is quite slow and leisurely as compared to the level I am playing at now. I know it has been difficult but I am getting there,” Engelbrecht said.

“I’ve worked hard to be where I am now and coach Gary Gold has shown some belief in me.

“I believe in all of us. However, we need to pull together but I definitely think we can do it.” -Khanyiso Tshwaku