Plum: I didn't think I'd ever hold it again

09/21/2024 11:05 PM

John Plumtree hailed the resilience of the Sharks, and composure of Jordan Hendrikse, after the Durbanites clinched the 2024 Currie Cup title in dramatic style on Saturday.

A last-gasp 16-14 victory over the Lions at a rain-soaked Ellis Park, secured by Hendrikse's 59m penalty after the final hooter, marked the Sharks’ first Currie Cup title since 2018.

It was head coach Plumtree’s third Currie Cup title after winning it in 2008 and 2010, and allowed the Kiwi to avenge the 2011 final loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.

"I'm really proud of the boys," Plumtree, who guided the Sharks to their first Challenge Cup title in May, was quoted post-match. "It's great for our confidence and the never-give-up attitude we're instilling in the team.

“The Vodacom URC is the main goal, the Champions Cup and getting all the Springboks players back together, but for this group of players it’s important [winning the Currie Cup], not just the players that played tonight but the players that played through the first six, seven rounds and the management team.

WATCH: How Hendrikse won the Currie Cup

Bench reaction from that Jordan Hendrikse kick #CarlingCurrieCup#CarlingCurrieCupFinal#LIOvSHApic.twitter.com/M4quilNk7i

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) September 21, 2024

“I think it is unique, it makes it special that we have won tonight for a lot of people. The ex-players sent me messages, and they were excited, there are a lot of people back in Durban who will be very happy tonight so reflecting on that, it is important.

“A trophy like that is beautiful, I did not think I would ever hold it again.”

Hendrikse, who left the Lions for the Sharks in the off-season, scooped the Man of the Match honours. Reflecting on the kick, the Springbok playmaker said, "All those early mornings practising pressure kicks paid off. I just focused on staying calm and backing myself.

He admitted to thinking about past missed kicks but emphasised, “It's about staying in the moment and believing in yourself.”

Plumtree acknowledged Hendrikse's impressive form, recalling, "At the captain's run, I teased him, asking if he could nail them in a pressure moment. He showed me he could."

Photo: @SharksRugby/Twitter

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