Sharks ‘smart enough’ to handle Lions attack, says Jordan Hendrikse

It’s one thing knowing what’s coming from the opposition, but it’s another thing stopping it.

So, it always helps when you have someone who used to be a key figure in the other side in order to decode their strategies.

That is exactly what the Sharks have in Jordan Hendrikse for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Ellis Park (2.30pm kick-off).

The 23-year-old from Qonce (previously Kings Williams Town) in the Eastern Cape made the big move back to Durban from Johannesburg before this season started.

Of course, KZN isn’t new to him either, having been schooled at Glenwood, along with his fellow Springbok brother Jaden.

The Lions will be hurting after going down 31-19 to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, while the Sharks had a break following their 29-19 win over the same Bulls side a week earlier.

The Lions are renowned for their all-out attacking approach with ball-in-hand, but the Sharks will be confident of absorbing the pressure and then striking themselves – just as they did against the Bulls, where their forwards were dominated, but still emerged victorious.

“We took lots of confidence from the win against the Bulls, and we must just make sure that we focus on the next game and prep well. We must just showcase what we can on Saturday, and hopefully get the victory,” Jordan Hendrikse said on Tuesday.

“We know it’s going to be a fast-paced game, especially at altitude. We know they’re going to move the ball around and try to play us off our feet.

“But we’re smart enough: we’re up for the challenge. We are just going to focus on ourselves and make sure we take of the result on Saturday.

“I know Ellis Park quite well. It’s always going to be a nice challenge up there. I will enjoy the stadium and the people, but now I’m doing it for another team, which also became my family. So for me, it’s just focusing on my team and taking care of the result.”

The Springbok utility back has fond memories of the 2024 Currie Cup final for the Sharks, where he broke the Lions’ hearts with a last-gasp 59-metre monster penalty that clinched a 16-14 victory.

He is confident that he can come up with the big play again on Saturday, and help the fourth-placed Sharks stay in touch with Leinster, Glasgow and the Bulls on the URC log – whether it’s at fullback or flyhalf.

“I practised on that field a million times before. So, I knew when we got the penalty, everyone was looking to me,” Hendrikse said.

“For me, it was just being calm, staying in the moment, being in the zone. Everyone was concerned when the ball went to the left of the poles, but then it turned back!

“But I kind of knew the wind of the stadium there. It’s definitely something I will take in my career, and I will look for those moments.

“With (Aphelele) Fassi being injured, me stepping up in the 15 jersey, I like being diversified, playing different positions.

“That just explores my game, and experience as a 15. But I know that my main position is flyhalf, and if I do get that opportunity again – whether it’s this Saturday or the following games – it’s just taking each one.

“Shout-out to (Siya) Masuku (Sharks flyhalf) as well, as he has been playing well. We just want to make sure that we get the victory for the boys.

“Definitely flyhalf, that’s my main position. I will always choose flyhalf! I like managing and controlling the game.

“Fifteen has the benefit of having more space and time, to be dynamic and attack space. But each one has its role, and for me, it’s just giving what I have to the team.”