Jordan Hendrikse says that competition for the Lions’ No 10 jersey from Sanele Nohamba has pushed him to become a better player, during a difficult period in his fledgling career. DYLAN JACK reports.
When the Lions signed Nohamba from the Sharks, it was thought that the diminutive halfback would be paired with Hendrikse in an exciting combination that would offer speed, accuracy and vision.
However, Hendrikse suffered a long-term shoulder injury in January 2023, bringing his season to a premature end. That opened the door for Nohamba to prove he could kick at goal, as he scored 95 points in seven games in Hendrikse’s absence.
HENDRIKSE: I wanted a new chapter
The Lions took the Nohamba experiment a step further this season, giving him the No 10 jersey as Hendrikse continued to work his way back to full fitness. This has seen Hendrikse having to learn a new role as an impact player, as he has often been utilised off the bench this season.
“We have a lot of respect for each other. At any team, at any club, there’s always competition,” Hendrikse told SARugbymag.co.za.
“Sanele is a very good player. I back him. This was important for me as a player, to push myself, look at what he is doing well, that I can work on and get better. So when I get my opportunity, I’m ready to prove myself.
“I have grown a lot through playing off the bench, bringing that impact and energy. It’s a big role in the team. The Springboks do it very well with the Bomb Squad, you see the impact that they have. So that was a good learning curve for me, to get better as a player.”
Hendrikse made his return from injury in the opening round of the Vodacom URC against the DHL Stormers last October, slotting two conversions in his first game back, but admitted that it has taken him some time to find his best form.
“That was after several months of not playing, to put it into perspective, because of my injury,” he said. “It was just about getting game time and finding form. During our pre-season, I only got a few minutes against the Bulls and Sharks, so it wasn’t really enough game time. So I needed to find my form in-season.
“I think in the past few games that I’ve played, I’ve got that momentum. It’s just building and building. I want to keep consistent and at the top of my game. Anything can happen. Whether you start or you’re on the bench. One day you can get a Bok call up you need to be on top of your game.”
Still, Hendrikse has scored 59 points in 14 games this season, doing enough to earn a call into the Springbok alignment camp, made of a mix between promising youngsters and two-time World Cup winners.
The invited players have assembled in Cape Town this week, where they will be able to get a better idea of what they need to do to play for the Springboks in what will be a thrilling 2024 season.
“It’s exciting. There’s lots of opportunity to learn from players, coaches, but it’s also about being aligned with expectations,” Hendrikse said.
“Having six other Lions players there gives me confidence. As young players, it just shows what you are doing currently is good enough is enough to get seen and invited to alignment camps. It’s not about changing what you are doing currently, but growing and learning as a player.
“Having those experienced players there is the biggest thing. We can learn from them, ask the questions that you want to, and find out about how this journey shaped them and the player they are today.”
2023 marked one of the toughest years in Hendrikse’s career as, while he was recovering from injury, his father Brian, a former goalkeeper from Cape Town who became a sports administrator in the Eastern Cape, passed away in late June.
Continuing his work with the community – through coaching clinics and skills workshops – has helped Hendrikse push through with the support of his family and friends. It is something that he aims to continue when he moves to Durban to join the Sharks next season.
“When we went home, we had a ball skills workshop in memory of my father. I also have had my kicking clinics during that time, one featured over 100 kids. My main focus is also now on coaching, it’s another thing I enjoy doing twice a week, giving the kids access to you as a player, giving back and sharing your experiences and what you have learned from other players.
“It’s something I will always keep on doing. We are opening up a new branch in Durban at Glenwood [School], to continue that, for the kids to get involved, upskill and develop the kids, especially those that don’t have bursaries.
“There is so much going on in the country, it means so much just upskill them and give them an opportunity to make it in life. It’s was they love doing, they are passionate about playing sport, and it’s allowing them a platform to have the opportunity to showcase their talent, hard work and consistency.”
Photo: Roberto Bregani/Gallo Images
The post Hendrikse: Lions ‘supersub’ role has improved me appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
