All eyes on Bok as Sharks say goodbye to experienced playmaker
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse will be out to nail down the Sharks’ No.10 jersey as the franchise bids farewell to George Whitehead.
Hendrikse will start at flyhalf for only the second time this season when the Sharks welcome the Bulls to Kings Park for a United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash.
Whitehead, who started at No.10 in the 28-23 win over Saracens in the Champions Cup last weekend, will be heading back to Griquas after the Bulls game.
He will provide flyhalf cover off the bench on Saturday.
“Jordan’s first game at No.10 was against Toulouse [December 7],” said Pietersen. “He has struggled with a bit of a shin splint before that, so that is why it took him time to get back into the game.
“As a coaching group, we just felt that it was the right time to give Jordan an opportunity against the Bulls.”
Hendrikse has covered the fullback position on several occasions for the Sharks, but it seems Pietersen is keen on letting him find form at No.10 now.
“He is primarily a flyhalf in my eyes, ” Pietersen added.
“I trust Jordan. I think he will do a great job at No.10, and he is capable of doing it.
“Sometimes he will be a little bit off, but that is part of the game.
“I trust his ability to bring the best out of the group come Saturday.”
The Sharks will enter Round Seven in 14th position on the URC standings with one win from six games.
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