Sharks Stefan Terblanche is set to become the first player in Sharks and Natal rugby history to play 200 games for the Union.

Terblanche made his rugby debut against Boland in 1994 and has gone on to play an incredible 400 first class games.

Included in that are 37 tests for the Springboks, 87 for Welsh side Ospreys, two for the SA under-21 team, another four midweek games for the Boks, three for the Barbarians, 67 for Boland, and now 112 Super Rugby matches for the Sharks and 87 Currie Cup games.

Terblanche’s record is well ahead of Ollie le Roux’s record of 357 matches overall and he has also broken the long-standing record of Hugh Reece-Edwards and Steve Atherton (both 165) playing for the Sharks.

The backliner says that leading the Sharks at 35 years of age has been a mixture of luck, hard work and intelligence.

“I have been very fortunate with injuries, ” he told the Sharks website.

“You also have to look after your body. You have to train hard, rest sufficiently and eat correctly. You also have to be smart with your training methods. Sometimes your body is a little sore and you have to listen to what it tells you. Rest is just as important as training.

“You have to find the right balance between the two, ” said Terblanche, who was born is Mossel Bay.

Terblanche admits that it’s a major honour and privilege to stand on the verge of his 200th game for the Sharks.

“I’m just as excited about the game as when I started playing. The only difference is that composure comes with experience, though I’m still nervous before games, ” said Terblanche.

“My first game for the Sharks against the Auckland Blues in 1998 was a wonderful experience. ”

“They had guys like Carlos Spencer, Jonah Lomu, Joeli Vidiri and Adrian Cashmore. It was an incredible team. ”

“And then when I left here on 99 caps, being able to come back and play my 100th for The Sharks, against Western Province was special.

“Of course, the two cup moments are up there. Winning as captain last year has to rate as one of my all time, fondest memories.”