Hollywoodbets Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse believes this week’s URC matchup with Munster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday will have real edge.
The men in black and white were last in action at the end of February when they fell to a 41-12 defeat at the hands of the Bulls at Loftus, a result which has left them lying 11th on the overall standings and in danger of missing out on the quarterfinals.
With six points separating them from the top eight, JP Pietersen’s charges require a storming finish to their campaign if they are to force their way into the knockout spots from here. Given four of their final six round robin matchups will be played in Durban though, fortune could be in their favour.
Said Hendrikse: “Having a week off we reflected quite well on the past two games. I think what we lacked was our things that we needed to focus on in our game. That’s not executing our kicking game, intensity, not being up physically, and those are things that we did well against the Stormers and which we lacked in the following two games after that.
“It’s stuff that we reflected well took accountability, we prepped well from last week Thursday, Friday and then this week building into Munster.”
The Sharks last met the Limerick club during last season’s dramatic Durban quarterfinal, a game which the Sharks won on penalty kicks after the scores were tied at 24-all after extra time.
There was plenty of niggle involved on that occasion, with Jordan’s brother Jaden sparking “Winkgate” after ostensibly attempting to disrupt Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley’s rhythm in going down with cramp during the penalty kicks; subsequently winking at the Ireland international while receiving treatment.
Because of this, Hendrikse reckons there will be some added bite in this weekend’s rematch.
“It was the first penalty shootout ever [in the competition],” said the 24-year-old. “So that was definitely a standout memory. But for us we know it’s a personal one for them. They haven’t forgotten about the wink and all of that stuff going on, so I know they’ll be up for this game.
“It’s definitely a personal one and for us it’s important where we are in terms of the URC and the logs, so it’s important home games for us.”
The Red Army begin their tour of the Republic after having last played three weeks ago in a 21-7 win over Zebre at Thomond Park. That result has left them sixth heading into this weekend’s clash, albeit just six points behind leaders Glasgow Warriors.
“We know they’re a team that never shies away from physicality,” said the twice capped Bok flyhalf. “They’re always up for a challenge, they always stay in the fight. I think that’s the biggest thing and I think with new coaches coming in they also brought, different elements to their game, more of a kicking type of game or just that variation to their game.
“And so for us it’s [about] prepping well. They’ll be definitely a different side compared to last season, like I said they have different elements and we know that we just need to be good on the day to get the result.”
For the Durbanites, who come off the back of successive losses, another defeat could effectively mark the death knell for their season, and that significance is not lost on the players.
“We can’t stuff up or mess up any games, especially these next six to eight games, but most importantly the home games,” said Hendrikse.
“We know our challenge is going to be our overseas games [at Ospreys and Edinburgh in April] but main focus now is this weekend, then next weekend, before we focus on other games. So there’s definitely hope and belief and I think especially after the two results that we didn’t get there’s even a bigger drive now because we know that we can’t afford any errors.”
As ever, consistency will be the name of the game for the Sharks, especially at this juncture in the season.
“Our biggest focus is just being consistent. We can’t afford any inconsistencies in our game, in our game model, and what we’re good at.
“I think from a pressure point of view, yes, there will be a bit more pressure, but I think if we execute our plan and what we want to achieve on the day and being consistent, then there shouldn’t be a problem.”
