Sharks head coach JP Pietersen is confident that the Hendrikse brothers can sharpen their attack going into the new Vodacom URC season.
He’s named Jaden and Jordan as the halfbacks for Friday’s final pre-season warm-up match against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Pietersen believes having them play together will quickly start bearing fruit.
“If you know them and if you see them daily, they’re completely professional players,” Pietersen told the media on Thursday.
“They work extremely hard on and off the field. They love rugby, are obsessed with the game, and push each other.
“It’s just great to see the two brothers and what a great way for Jordan to get confidence and cohesion to play with his brother, to give him that belief and confidence to perform.”
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The Sharks are likely to adopt a co-captaincy structure for the season, with Phepsi Buthelezi and Jaden Hendrikse entrusted with that responsibility in Johannesburg. Pietersen says both players were leaders long before they got the armband.
“Phepsi’s always been a leader and Jaden’s always been a leader,” Pietersen said.
“One’s in charge of the forwards and the other’s in charge of the backs, but we have plenty of leaders around them on the field. Phepsi just needs to do his job, play well and lead where he needs to lead – the same for Jaden. It’s great to see them in that position.”
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Buthelezi says the Sharks are braced for a serious examination at altitude.
“I think it’s going to be a step up, especially at altitude.
“The Lions come off a good performance against the All Blacks, so we’re expecting a much bigger challenge and it’s one we’re excited about.
“We’re also building up towards our campaign now and as a group we really just want to see where we are and see what we can put out there.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
