Hendrikse happy to learn from fellow Bok playmakers
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse revealed there is a healthy internal competition for the No.10 jersey in the Springbok squad between himself, Manie Libbok, and Handré Pollard.
Hendrikse was called up as a late injury replacement for prop Frans Malherbe who suffered an ankle injury while on duty for the Stormers in a 17-28 loss to the Glasgow Warriors.
For Hendrikse, It’s all about learning and helping each other for the sake of the team when it comes to matchday, despite who is selected to play.
“I’ve learned a lot, it’s always going to be competitive between us three, but I’ve learned a lot from them,” Hendrikse told @Rugby365com.
“They have been in the setup quite longer than me so it’s just learning from them and helping each other and just wanting the best for whoever plays on Saturday.
“And in terms of prep just making sure we’re all prepared and ready to lead the team.” He added.
He opened up on his preferred playing position, and how the Springboks’ new attacking style of play under attack coach Tony Brown suits his game.
“Definitely flyhalf, but I’ve always made fun of me being a universal plug, being able to play many other positions as well, but definitely flyhalf.”
“I think there’s a lot going around in terms of Tony-ball, the attack lately for the Boks has been dynamic and it surprised quite a few people in terms of the way we play.
“That always benefited my game, I love running with the ball and you can see that more with the Boks in terms of how they play, always running with the ball and being more dynamic, staying on top of teams and not always going into a kicking game.”
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Hendrikse revealed that his confidence received a boost following his match-winning penalty kick to clinch the Currie Cup Final for the Sharks against his old team, the Lions at Ellis Park.
“I was just blessed to win the Currie Cup for my team, but it’s also a kick I’ve practiced so many times at Ellis Park.
“It definitely gave me confidence going into the start of the URC, those are things that hardly come around so when you do get the opportunity that’s where your BMT should come out.
“Sometimes it doesn’t go your way but I’m grateful that it went my way and it definitely boosted me with confidence going into the URC and now the Bok setup.”
He is also ‘grateful’ to have his brother Jaden Hendrikse alongside him in the Springbok side and hopes that the siblings will feature in a Springbok match together.
“I’m forever grateful, it was always our dream to be in a set-up and eventually to play a game together, but it’s good to have him here.”
Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)
