Sharks' flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has issued a rallying cry for his team to sharpen their skills ahead of their pivotal Vodacom URC match against Munster at Kings Park this Saturday. Following thrilling victories against the Stormers, the Sharks found themselves adrift with consecutive losses to the Lions and Bulls. With the team currently sitting 11th in the URC standings, Hendrikse admits there's little room left for error.
Digging into recent setbacks, Hendrikse revealed the squad's introspective week off. "We reflected quite well on the past two games," he commented. He pinpointed several missing elements in their play: "What we lacked was things like not executing our kicking game, our [lack of] intensity, not being up for it physically." These elements were crucial in their victories over the Stormers but were noticeably absent in their defeats.
"For us, it’s an important home game in terms of where we are in the URC log [11th on 24 points]."
The upcoming game is loaded with historical tension, stemming from last season’s quarter-final in Durban, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout. Hendrikse recalled a notable incident involving his brother, Jaden, that left a sour taste. After Jaden slotted his second attempt and succumbed to cramp, Munster's flyhalf Jack Crowley was delayed and ultimately snapped at the Sharks' medical team in frustration.
Hendrikse is also wary of the evolved threat Munster poses under new coach Clayton McMillan, noting, "They’re a team that never shies away from physicality. They always stay in the fight. With new coaches coming in, they’ve also brought different elements to their game, more of a kicking type of game, more variation."
Highlighting the impact of Sharks' coach JP Pietersen, Hendrikse praised his role in revitalizing the team's dynamics. "The first thing I can mention is the pride that he has brought back, the history he has with the Sharks and how passionate he is," he stated. He credited Pietersen for uplifting the team's standards and belief, essential for their legacy at the union.
With the season nearing its climax and the playoffs in sight, Hendrikse underscored the urgency of their situation: "We can’t mess up any more games, but most importantly the home games. The next one is a big challenge against Munster. For us, the biggest thing is to get the result."
2,100 posts
Sharks' flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has issued a rallying cry for his team to sharpen their skills ahead of their pivotal Vodacom URC match against Munster at Kings Park this Saturday. Following thrilling victories against the Stormers, the Sharks found themselves adrift with consecutive losses to the Lions and Bulls. With the team currently sitting 11th in the URC standings, Hendrikse admits there's little room left for error.
Digging into recent setbacks, Hendrikse revealed the squad's introspective week off. "We reflected quite well on the past two games," he commented. He pinpointed several missing elements in their play: "What we lacked was things like not executing our kicking game, our [lack of] intensity, not being up for it physically." These elements were crucial in their victories over the Stormers but were noticeably absent in their defeats.
"For us, it’s an important home game in terms of where we are in the URC log [11th on 24 points]."
The upcoming game is loaded with historical tension, stemming from last season’s quarter-final in Durban, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout. Hendrikse recalled a notable incident involving his brother, Jaden, that left a sour taste. After Jaden slotted his second attempt and succumbed to cramp, Munster's flyhalf Jack Crowley was delayed and ultimately snapped at the Sharks' medical team in frustration.
Hendrikse is also wary of the evolved threat Munster poses under new coach Clayton McMillan, noting, "They’re a team that never shies away from physicality. They always stay in the fight. With new coaches coming in, they’ve also brought different elements to their game, more of a kicking type of game, more variation."
Highlighting the impact of Sharks' coach JP Pietersen, Hendrikse praised his role in revitalizing the team's dynamics. "The first thing I can mention is the pride that he has brought back, the history he has with the Sharks and how passionate he is," he stated. He credited Pietersen for uplifting the team's standards and belief, essential for their legacy at the union.
With the season nearing its climax and the playoffs in sight, Hendrikse underscored the urgency of their situation: "We can’t mess up any more games, but most importantly the home games. The next one is a big challenge against Munster. For us, the biggest thing is to get the result."