Interim Sharks coach JP Pietersen has explained Jordan Hendrikse’s selection at flyhalf for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the Bulls.
Hendrikse takes the No 10 jersey from George Whitehead in one of two changes to the starting lineup that beat Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup last weekend.
“Jordan’s first game back at 10 was against Toulouse [on 7 December],” Pietersen said on Friday. “He struggled with a bit of a shin splint before that, so we took our time bringing him back.
“With Aphelele Fassi unavailable [due to concussion], we needed Jordan at fullback, but as a coaching group we felt this was the right time to give him the opportunity to lead the team at 10.”
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Asked if that’s where he sees the 24-year-old settling, Pietersen replied: “In my eyes, he’s primarily a flyhalf. I trust him.”
The coach explained that Whitehead, who is on loan from Currie Cup champions Griquas, will return to Kimberley after the Bulls match, paving the way for Hendrikse to have an extended run at pivot.
“I think Jordan will do a great job at 10 and he is capable of doing it,” Pietersen added. “Will there be moments where things are a little bit off? Yes. That’s normal, it’s part of the game. But I trust his ability to bring the best out of the group.”
Pietersen said he was “excited for the challenge” of facing a desperate Bulls outfit, who are eighth on the URC log but on a four-match losing streak. The Sharks, meanwhile, are 14th with just one win from six matches.
“It’s an opportunity every week to get better. We looked at the positives from last week and how we can build on them. It’s been a good week, there’s good energy in the group.”
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However, Pietersen is under no illusions about the threat posed by the Bulls, particularly up front.
“They’ve got a very good squad,” he said. “With guys like Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar and Gerhard Steenekamp, you can see what they bring. The scrum is a big part of the game and it’s going to be a battle. They’ve got a good pack, we’ve got a good pack – that’s what rugby is about.
“We have to contest at scrum time, and they’ve got a good lineout with Ruan Nortje. Their loose trio is good too, with Marco van Staden, and the Sheriff [Elrigh Louw] is back. So it’ll be a good, physical game.”
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With both teams struggling for consistency, the former Sharks winger expects an intense contest.
“For me as a player, it was probably my favourite and most challenging game to play.
“On Saturday, it’s two teams that really want to put in a good performance. They’re desperate, we’re desperate. It’s a derby, it’s sold out, and hopefully both teams can bring the best out of each other and give the crowd something special.”
Weather may yet play a role with a prediction of rain for Saturday, but Pietersen said some showers on Thursday allowed his charges to practice and prepare for any conditions come kick-off.
Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
