Hendrikse setback opens door for Moyo
SELECTION: Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has explained why Vusi Moyo has been handed the flyhalf role for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship opener against Ospreys at Kings Park.
Moyo gets the nod at No.10, with Jordan Hendrikse ruled out after suffering another setback following his return from a lengthy back injury.
The 25-year-old had featured in the Sharks’ pre-season clash against the Lions and looked set to start the new URC campaign.
However, a “little niggle” has forced Hendrikse out, opening the door for Moyo to take charge at flyhalf.
“Jordan’s got a little niggle, that’s why he’s not up for selection this week,” Pietersen confirmed.
Moyo will link up with Jordan’s brother, Jaden Hendrikse, in the halfback combination.
Despite losing an influential figure, Pietersen has backed Moyo to step up and lead the Sharks from the pivotal No.10 position.
The flyhalf made his Springbok debut against Wales in July, featuring in South Africa’s emphatic 43-0 victory at Kings Park.
“Vusi has been showing promising signs the whole pre-season. He’s led well and been with the group the whole pre-season, so that’s why he’s in the pivot role tomorrow.”
Pietersen has also opted for a new-look midfield combination, with Murray Koster partnering Jurenzo Julius in the centres.
They will face an Ospreys midfield featuring Australian recruits Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi.
“They [Koster and Julius] are definitely up for the challenge. The Ospreys also have a new midfield.
“The Aussie guy [Foketi] came from the Chiefs.
“If you look at Super Rugby and the background of Australian guys, they love to move and hold the ball.
“So we’ll see tomorrow if that’s going to be the same, with possession, holding the ball for long periods of time and trying to break down the defence.”
Pietersen believes the Sharks are better prepared for the new campaign after a productive pre-season.
“We had a better pre-season than last season. We built a bit of cohesion, different combinations, so we’re more excited and a bit nervous too.
“It is our first home game in a URC competition, so the boys are very excited to get stuck in tomorrow.”
