Sharks need flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse to take Clermont clash by the scruff of the neck

The Sharks conclude their pool commitments in this year’s Champions Cup tournament when they host Clermont at Kings Park on Saturday afternoon, and coach JP Pietersen’s selection reflects the diminished challenge expected from the French outfit.

While it is a reasonably strong Sharks team that will be on duty, Clermont have only pride to play for — they are winless in the Champions Cup, having lost to the Sale Sharks (14-35) and Glasgow Warriors (21-33), following a heavy 47-10 opening-round loss to Saracens in London. Understandably, Clermont have switched their focus to their domestic "bread and butter" — the Top 14 — and have sent a reserve team to Durban.

For the Sharks, a second win (following their 28-23 defeat of Saracens in Durban in mid-December) could secure knockout qualification and propel them through to the Round of 16. With a victory over Clermont in Durban appearing likely, Pietersen has rotated his squad, maintaining some continuity from last week’s trip to Manchester while bringing back a range of stalwarts across the board.

Chief among the players rested are captain Andre Esterhuizen, former captain Vincent Tshituka, and veteran wing Makazole Mapimpi. “Andre falls under the Springbok protocols, and this is an opportune time for him to have a break,” said Pietersen. “Likewise, Vincent has played all of our games this season and deserves a rest.”

There are opportunities for rising stars in Junior Springbok flank Matt Romao and Currie Cup wing PK Sobahle, while Junior Bok prop Phatu Ganyane will play off the bench. The influx of youngsters coached by Pietersen in the Currie Cup is complemented by World Cup winners in Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi upfront, and Aphelele Fassi at fullback.

Brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse form the halfback pairing, while Jurenzo Julius retains his number 12 jersey, partnering with Le Roux Malan in the midfield. Nick Hatton continues his lead-by-example role, having retained the captaincy for the match against the 114-year-old club from France.

Clermont come to Durban with a rich pedigree — they are three-time Champions Cup runners-up, two-time French Champions (2010 and 2017), and Challenge Cup champions on three different occasions, most recently in 2019, the Sharks having taken that honour in 2024. Pietersen has made a significant change at flyhalf, bringing back Jordan Hendrikse at the expense of Siya Masuku, who did duty in last week’s loss to Sale.

“I have full confidence in Jordan to manage the game the way we want him to,” said Pietersen. “He knows what we want from him, and I am confident he will deliver.”

It is a position where the Sharks have struggled for the last two or three seasons. Masuku seemed to have come through in the Challenge Cup in 2024 and was the Player of the Match when the Sharks beat Gloucester in the final, but he faded thereafter due to injury and a lack of form.

Hendrikse was brought in from the Lions to join his scrumhalf brother Jaden, but has had his own fair share of injuries. He has also been used often at fullback, where the Sharks are thin, especially when Aphelele Fassi has been unavailable.

The Sharks this season have even resorted to loaning George Whitehead from Griquas with mixed results. Against Clermont, Jordan Hendrikse has a golden opportunity to take the No. 10 jersey by the scruff of the neck.

Sharks team for Clermont

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 PK Sobahle, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Ramao, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Hakeem Kunene.