'An amazing game': Hendrikse proves why he is a Springbok
REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell had plenty of praise for Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse after Saturday’s Round One Champions Cup encounter against Harlequins in Durban.
Powell’s side, who played the final minutes with 14 men after Ox Nche received a red card for a high tackle, recorded a thrilling 39-31 win and Hendrikse’s game management played a key role.
Overall, he made good decisions on the field and his kicking in open play kept the English side pinned in their own half.
He also produced a neat pass behind his back from a scrum to Makazole Mapimpi to run in for an easy try in the first half.
“Jaden had an amazing game. Just how he controlled the game from a kicking perspective and also his game sense,” Powell told reporters after Saturday’s match.
“In particular that little chip that they put over our defensive line and he called a mark. I think if he didn’t anticipate that kick, we would have been in trouble.
“It was a really good performance and that is the amazing thing about this team now. All the individuals are making a step up and doing what we expect of them.
“I think Jaden was really good for us and he managed the gamed well for us.”
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#ICYMI: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell believes the referee’s decision to give Ox Nche a red card against Harlequins was harsh. #ChampionsCup #Sharks https://t.co/bRqrVOsOJ6
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) December 12, 2022
Tough schedule
Meanwhile, the Sharks are now on their way to France to face Bordeaux in Round Two on Friday.
That clash is another one that is part of a busy schedule of Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship fixtures for the side in December and January.
“It is a challenge. We travel tomorrow [Sunday] then we play on Friday, so you don’t have a full week of preparation,” said the Sharks boss.
“The crucial part will be the attention to detail and the clarity to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
“This team will always give their full effort, so I think the big thing for us and the big focus for us going into that Bordeaux game will be making sure everyone understands what is expected of them.
“With consecutive games going on until I think the 4th of February, we will have to manage the squad well.
“I don’t think there is one player that can play all 11 games, so we already identified some of the games where we could maybe rotate some of the players to make sure that we can maintain our performances all the way to that last game against the Stormers.
“It will be tricky and it will be challenging. I think we do have an experienced coaching team and management team that can assist me to make sure that we make the right decisions in the next few weeks.”
