One of the reasons the Chiefs are still in the hunt for the playoffs this year, despite injuries rests on the shoulders of a 22-year-old.
Luke Jacobson's comfortable in the slips at Chiefs training, but not with being called their game-time enforcer.
"Everybody's going out there, being physical and bringing the heat," Jacobson told Newshub.
Since his days in the New Zealand under-20s, he's been building a reputation for his big hits.
So whether he likes it or not, the 22-year-old is now known as an enforcer and his tackling philosophy aligns with the tag.
"I just go in with the intention of just knocking somebody over."
His captain appreciates it.
"He's got steel shoulders. I'm glad he's on my team," said Brad Weber. "Whenever he hits someone it's dominant."
Still, it's taken until his second Super Rugby season for Jacobson to be totally comfortable with his role.
"Probably at the start - I found it difficult to implement that on the field," said Jacobson.
"There are some big boys running around," he chuckled. "If you get one little thing wrong, you end up at the other end."
His rugby hero is Kieran Read because of his complete skill set.
The Chiefs blindside aims to have something similar and his running game has started to shine recently too.
"I guess I'm probably renowned as a defensive player but I like to attack as well," said Jacobson.
"But it's definitely a work on, but I was happy to see some of the work ons coming off on the weekend."
The Sharks should look out tomorrow because Luke Jacobson will be coming at them and hard.
Newshub
