A mobile and tenacious loose forward, Joe van Niekerk is known for his exceptional pace, great anticipation, high quality ball skills and excellent hands, and he is a factor in the lineout. His good attitude, aggressive playing style and natural feel for the game are qualities that could be utilised in any of the loose-trio positions. Van Niekerk, Schalk Burger and AJ Venter made a name for themselves during the Tri-nations series as the best loose-forward combination in the world.
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Jake White believes that ‘Joe is an exceptional talent. I don’t want to stereotype him as a No 6 or a No 8 because he is rare in that he would be equally comfortable and effective in either position. I know he has played most of his rugby at No 8, but I believe he could add a dimension if utilised correctly as a specialist open-sider.’
Age: 24
Height: 193cm
Weight: 103kg
Born in: Port Elizabeth
Province: Western province
Position: Eighthman/flank
Previous injuries: After winning SA's Player of the Year award in 2002, van Niekerk was kept out of the game for most of 2003. Then, after his comeback at the 2003 World Cup in Australia, in the final pool match against Samoa he suffered a serious knee injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. (Read more about this common rugby injury under 'Injuries to look out for'.) He was booked off for six months and missed the 2004 Super 12 while recovering. He also suffered a groin injury prior to the Test against Ireland in Bloemfontein in June 2004. He received a knock on the nose in the recent test against Scotland, as well as various other bumps and bruises. Jaques Cronje will take over as eighthman for the match against the Pumas on 4 December.
A mobile and tenacious loose forward, Joe van Niekerk is known for his exceptional pace, great anticipation, high quality ball skills and excellent hands, and he is a factor in the lineout. His good attitude, aggressive playing style and natural feel for the game are qualities that could be utilised in any of the loose-trio positions. Van Niekerk, Schalk Burger and AJ Venter made a name for themselves during the Tri-nations series as the best loose-forward combination in the world.
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