'Eben is super calm': Boks set to 'influence' Sharks' DNA
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse believes the returning Springboks could be the catalysts to take the Sharks to the next level over the next few weeks.
The Sharks returned to Durban this week after they recorded two wins and a defeat on their three-match United Rugby Championship tour.
After nervy wins against Zebre and the Dragons, the Sharks ended their tour with a 34-54 defeat to Leinster in Dublin last weekend.
Sean Everitt’s side showed some great enterprise in that final game with five tries against the Irish juggernaut and they can build on that as they will be significantly strengthened for their first home match of the season against Glasgow on Saturday.
Hendrikse is one of several Springboks returning for that match at Kings Park, while superstar lock Eben Etzebeth is set to finally make his debut for the Durban side.
“We are coming back and we just want to play the way the Sharks play – the Sharks DNA,” said Hendrikse.
“We just want to come back and basically have a big influence on the team, but also fit into the team as smoothly as possible.
“Eben is super calm. He looks very excited and very happy that he can play this weekend for the Sharks.”
When he was asked to elaborate on what the Sharks’ DNA is, Hendrikse responded: “The Sharks’ DNA is about transitions. We counter-attack off transitions.
“We score a lot of tries and we defend well and we have a good set-piece, so it’s having an all-round game.”
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Glasgow threat
On this weekend’s game against the Warriors, Hendrikse knows that they will be up against a team that can make life difficult for them.
It was there for all to see when the Scottish side beat the Bulls 35-21 at Scotstoun Stadium in Round Four.
“They matched the Bulls physically, even in the set-pieces,” said Hendrikse.
“They disrupted the Bulls’ line-outs and they attacked the Bulls at the breakdown.
“I’ve only watched three of their games. They are good on transition attack – they basically defend well with a high line, so they wait until you make a mistake so that they can counter-attack.”
