The Sharks will make the trip to Johannesburg this Saturday buoyed by past results on the highveld and recent sizzling form.
For Sharks utility back Jordan Hendrikse, defeating the Bulls away two weeks ago was a huge accomplishment, and the good mental space the team find themselves in bodes well for their United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions on Saturday.
“For us, it’s taking confidence out of that victory, it’s never easy to go to the Highveld and get a win there, but we backed ourselves because of the Currie Cup result when we played the Bulls there,” he said.
“We definitely take that confidence going into the game this weekend and for us, it’s about focusing on our game, on what we need to do to achieve the result we want.”
The team have had two weeks in which to prepare for Saturday’s fixture.
“It has gone very well,” said Hendrikse of the break.
“We’ve focused on our job and what we need to do, and for us it’s working on certain departments, making sure we prep well and the boys are ready for Saturday’s game.”
The Lions are a team that play a similar style to the Sharks. Their approach is to play action-packed rugby and the Joburg side brings plenty of energy and looks to tire the opposition with a brand of play that exploits the rarified atmosphere that comes with playing at altitude.
“We are expecting a fast-paced game, they will look to run us off our feet,” Hendrikse explained.
“For us it’s about managing the game, being present at every moment and making sure we do what we must to get the result.
“Looking at the South African Conference, a win is vital this weekend, so for us our focus is on winning.”
Locally schooled at Glenwood High School, Durban is home for Hendrikse. However, he did spend four years with the Lions, accruing over 60 caps for the Joburg franchise, before returning to the city where he made a name for himself as a junior.
“I’m blessed to be back here, the weather plays a big part, it’s always warm, so it’s always a good day of training,” he concluded.
“It’s like a family here, it’s nice to be back with familiar faces like my brother [Jaden] and that played a big part in me coming back. Coming here to play under new coaches, in a new environment and giving my best every day will help me grow as a player.”
