Jaden Hendrikse switches to flyhalf for Sharks URC opener in Glasgow

Sharks coach John Plumtree has looked to Jaden Hendrikse to solve a flyhalf crisis going into Friday night’s United Rugby Championship opener against the Warriors in Glasgow.

Springbok scrumhalf Hendrikse moves to 10 because his brother, Jordan, has a back injury, and Siya Masuku is out with a shoulder problem.

Plumtree would have been tempted to play former Junior Springbok Jean Smith at flyhalf, but is taking the pressure off the youngster by playing him off the bench.

The injury problem at flyhalf is just one of several challenges Plumtree must negotiate at the start of the campaign.

“I’m happy with the way we’ve prepared despite some real challenges. We’re good to go,” he said.

“The front row hasn’t played together, the same with the locks, the nine-ten combination too, but we have prepared well. We’ve put the players under pressure as much as we can based on what they’re going to be exposed to in Scotland.

“We’ve relied on other unions to help us out, and hopefully we’ve done enough.

The leadership of Vincent Tshituka as captain is an exciting plus for a side that has a mix of old faces and new signings in the absence of Springboks and injured players.

“Vinny is the sort of guy who leads by example; he’s such a consistent rugby player: he’ll talk about it and then do it, those are the best leaders to play for. It’s a ‘follow-me’ mindset; certainly, he does that.

“He also has some good support around him, with Phepsi Buthelezi there, his brother Manu, Marvin Orie, Ruan Dreyer up front, and then Swys Venter and Lukhanyo Am in the back, all of whom have been around for a long time. So he has a good blend of leadership there.”

Orie is a new signing who brings a wealth of experience to the team, a Springbok boasting 16 international caps and a 13-year professional career spanning over 200 appearances for the Bulls, Lions, Stormers, Ospreys, and Perpignan.

“He’s our lineout caller, although Deon Slabbert can also call, so they will help each other. Marvin’s experience in pressure moments should help us a lot.

“I really want him to bring his own game; he’s got to prove himself to us. We know what he can do and has done, but ultimately, he’s playing for a new team, and we’ll see what his work rate is like. Hopefully, he’ll have a good game, not only from a leadership point of view.”

Loosehead prop Simphiwe Matanzima, scrumhalf Ross Braude, and wings Christie Grobbelaar and Edwill van der Merwe will make their URC debuts for the Sharks.

Sharks team for Warriors

15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Christie Grobbelaar, 10 Jaden Hendrikse, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Vincent Tshituka (capt), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Jean Smith, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Hakeem Kunene.