Hendrikse returns for the Sharks

Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse will make his long-awaited return from injury when he runs out for the Sharks XV in Sunday’s Carling Currie Cup clash with the Suzuki Griquas in Durban.

After going unbeaten on the road in their last two matches, the Sharks are back at Kings Park for Sunday’s return leg match.

Hendrikse suffered a shoulder injury four months ago, but has been passed fit once again, being named as the starting scrumhalf, with Bradley Davids playing off the bench.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made two further changes to the side that drew with the Airlink Pumas last weekend, handing Mawande Mdanda a start at loosehead in place of Trevor Nyakane, while Yaw Penxe is back on the wing for Jaco Williams.

Hendrikse’s return comes at a pivotal time in the tournament. After three early, albeit narrow, losses, the Sharks hit their straps against the Fidelity ADT Lions two weeks ago, putting together an impressive performance to defeat the unbeaten Joburg team, and then suffered a last gasp draw to the Pumas when the Mbombela team drew level with a penalty in the last act of a pulsating game.

The Springbok scrumhalf will look to dictate the pace of the game and his calm style of play will benefit the youngsters around him. Only 24 years of age, it’s hard not to think of him as a youngster, but with 15 test caps to his name since making his international debut as a 21-year-old and a further half century of appearances for the Sharks across various competitions, he brings a wealth of experience to the side.

Sunday’s match at Kings Park kicks off at 3pm.

Sharks
1.    Braam Reyneke
2.    Dan Jooste
3.    Mawande Mdanda
4.    Bathobele Hlekani
5.    Reniel Hugo
6.    Tino Mavesere
7.    Jannes Potgieter
8.    Nick Hatton (c)
9.    Jaden Hendrikse
10.    Lionel Cronje
11.    Yaw Penxe
12.    Jurenzo Julius
13.    Litelihle Bester
14.    Eduan Keyter
15.    Hakeem Kunene

 Replacements
16.    Bryce Calvert
17.    Dian Bleuler
18.    Kabous Bezuidenhout
19.    Hennie Sieberhagen
20.    Siya Ningiza
21.    Bradley Davids
22.    Chris Horak*
23.    Anthony Volmink