Johannesburg – Jaden Hendrikse will return to the Sharks this weekend older and wiser, his game enriched by the rare commodity of Test-match experience and bolstered by his status as perhaps South Africa’s greatest scrumhalf.
The Springbok No. 9 will make his United Rugby Championship debut against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday at Kings Park, following a string of excellent performances in the green and gold.
Hendrikse and Bok teammate Siya Kolisi, Sharks debutant Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mobonambi, and Ox Nche, as well as new recruit Vincent Tshituka, are all anticipated to be named in a formidable matchday 23 to face the Scottish team the following day, following a month of rest and recuperation.
As a result, integrating them into the team’s game plan without big disruptions will be a top priority, and Hendrikse explained yesterday that they have been concentrating on this for the past week.
Hendrikse stated, “We want to play as the Sharks do, with the Sharks’ DNA.” “We aim to have a significant impact on the squad while fitting in as seamlessly as possible…
“The DNA of the Sharks is centered on transitions; we counterattack off transition, score a lot of tries, and defend well.” We have effective set pieces.”
The Sharks just returned from their European trip with a 54-34 loss to Leinster, in which they conceded eight tries. This squad was almost entirely bereft of Boks, but nonetheless managed to defeat the Dragons and Zebre.
These victories were not flawless, and the Sharks’ execution was at times laborious. Prior to the match against Glasgow, Hendrikse revealed what the team has been working on to execute a full 80 minutes of rugby.
“The emphasis this week, since they (the touring team) returned, has been on defense,” he stated.
“We must improve our spacing and alignment, as well as make initial tackles. As soon as we enter the opposing team’s 22-yard line, we must be relentless in our onslaught.
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“We must concentrate on the shorter moments in our games.
“Our discipline let us down somewhat in the second half (against Leinster). Also, we need to improve our kicking accuracy, which is a crucial aspect of our game. If we can accomplish this, our game will be complete.”
Glasgow, however, will be full of confidence following a comprehensive victory over the visiting Bulls last weekend.
The team of Franco Smith has been inconsistent thus far this season, winning only two of four matches. Both of these losses occurred away from home.
However, Hendrikse believes they will give a challenging challenge.
Hendrikse noted that Glasgow physically matched the Bulls based on their performance.
They interfered with the Bulls’ lineouts and attacked the Bulls’ breakdown. Our primary focus has been on ourselves, fixing what we can in response to what transpired over the weekend… then showing up on Saturday and playing the Sharks way.
“They are proficient at transition attacks; they defend well and possess a high line. They wait for you to make a mistake before launching a counterattack.
“The play is quite deep, so they want you to come up and drown yourself so they can play short options.” This weekend will be a terrific challenge.”
Reuters