Jordan Hendrikse says the Sharks need to rediscover their A-game for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against Munster at Kings Park.
After impressive back-to-back wins over the Stormers, successive defeats to the Lions and Bulls on the Highveld have stalled the Sharks’ momentum.
Hendrikse said the squad used their week off to identify key areas that need improvement.
“We reflected quite well on the past two games,” he said. “What we lacked was things like not executing our kicking game, our [lack of] intensity, not being up for it physically.
“Those are things that we did well against the Stormers and which we lacked in the following two games. We reflected well, took accountability and prepped well this week building into Munster.”
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The clash carries added context after last season’s quarter-final in Durban, decided by a penalty shootout.
“That was definitely a standout memory. But for us, we know it’s a personal one for them. They haven’t forgotten about the wink,” Hendrikse said, referring to when his brother, Jaden, went down with cramp after slotting his second attempt of the shootout and received treatment from the hosts’ medical team
As a result, Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley was forced to wait two and a half minutes to take his kick, after which he told a Sharks medical team member to “f**k off”.
“For us, it’s an important home game in terms of where we are in terms of the URC log [11th on 24 points],” Hendrikse added.
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The flyhalf expects a different Munster under coach Clayton McMillan, who took charge in July 2025, saying the Irish side now bring a more varied tactical approach.
“They’re a team that never shies away from physicality. They always stay in the fight,” he said. “With new coaches coming in, they’ve also brought different elements to their game, more of a kicking type of game, more variation.”
Hendrikse also pointed to coach JP Pietersen’s influence, saying his arrival has lifted standards and belief.
“The first thing I can mention is the pride that he has brought back, the history he has with the Sharks and how passionate he is,” Hendrikse said.
“From a head coach point of view, it’s the energy brought into the team and that belief again, and what we want to create as our legacy at this union.”
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With six rounds remaining, the Sharks sit six points outside the playoff places, leaving little margin for error.
“We can’t mess up any more games, but most importantly the home games,” he said. “We have all taken personal accountability and we know that we can still make it to the top eight.
“The next one is a big challenge against Munster. For us, the biggest thing is to get the result.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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Jordan Hendrikse says the Sharks need to rediscover their A-game for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against Munster at Kings Park.
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