Jaden Hendrikse’s inclusion will provide the Hollywoodbets Sharks with a major boost in their do-or-die Currie Cup round six encounter with Griquas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Sunday.
The 15-Test-capped scrumhalf makes his long-awaited comeback to the starting XV in the Currie Cup after four months on the sidelines, and his presence is a welcome return as JP Pietersen’s troops prepare for an almighty showdown in Durban.
“It’s exciting for Jaden to play after his long-term injury,” said Pietersen. “It’s a great opportunity for him while the Springboks are busy with the Rugby Championship, to get some game time under his belt. As a coach you can’t say no to a guy that’s a World Cup winner with all the experience he’s got, especially with the young group we’ve got.
“Everybody can see the pecking order of the No 9s South Africa is producing and I think it’s healthy competition for him. He’s one of the guys that always stands up for a challenge, but I just told him there’s no pressure on him to perform. It’s just for him to get some game time and get himself back into the game.
“He’s been out for long, so we don’t expect any miracles from him. It’s time for him to build himself into the rugby game.”
The Sharks are sixth on the log, one place and four points better off their opponents this weekend but six points adrift of the top four. Neither side can afford to lose this one if they are to have a say in the post-season.
“It’s a must-win,” admitted the coach. “We’re both in the same boat, in a similar position in that we have to win the game. Last week we were quite poor in the first half, so hopefully Sunday we can have a collective 80-minute performance.
“I think the players know what to do, what is up for grabs, and Griquas know exactly what to do. I think it’s going to be a good game come Sunday, with two teams that desperately want a win.”
When the teams met in Kimberley in round two, Griquas claimed a 34-31 win and Pietersen’s camp is certainly not taking their rematch lightly.
“They never die, they always come back. As you can see in the last game against the Lions they made a comeback, and you can see the fight in the group. They’re very competitive and they’ve got a good coach. We know they’ll come at us with set piece, the last time they hurt us with mauling, set piece and the scrum.
“Obviously they can move the ball, they’ve got some real gas men on the outside and X factor with their fullback. Overall, we have to be alert defensively.”
Proceedings get underway at 15h00.
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