Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus hails new star as unique
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Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus hailed the new star as unique, according to Planet Rugby.
Erasmus has praised 23-year-old Jordan Hendrikse for bringing something different to the fly-half position, as he prepares to start alongside his brother, Jaden, in the half-backs against Wales. Erasmus believes the young fly-half has unique qualities that set him apart from other options in the team.
Jordan Hendrikse made his Springboks debut earlier this year against Wales in the Qatar Cup, where he showed promise but was ultimately outshone by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Despite that, Hendrikse didn't let the setback affect him; instead, he found form with the Sharks, most notably kicking a game-winning penalty in extra time to secure the Currie Cup for the Durban side.
Although Hendrikse was omitted from the squad after his debut, his resilience and strong performances have earned him another chance with the national team. Erasmus believes the timing is right for Hendrikse to get another shot alongside his brother in a crucial match against Wales.
Rassie talks family bond and performance
"Hopefully, it will go well for them," Erasmus said about the Hendrikse brothers starting together.
"They deserve this chance. We've been chopping and changing and testing different combinations. We could have played Cobus [Reinach], and we have guys like Herschel Jantjies and Morne van den Berg back home, but fortunately, it worked out for the two brothers. We're glad for them. The family thing is a warm and fuzzy feeling, but the performance is very important."
While the Springboks boast several fly-half options, including the veteran Handre Pollard, the creative Manie Libbok, and the hybrid Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Erasmus believes Hendrikse's physicality and massive kicking range set him apart. “He is certainly a guy that brings something different to the party. He's got a big boot, and he's a more physical fly-half," Erasmus explained.
Erasmus also mentioned other talented fly-halves like Siya Masuku and Damian Willemse, who have not yet been given a chance in the team, but Hendrikse's unique skill set made him the right choice for this match.
Erasmus confident in Hendrikse's impact
The experienced coach is eager to see how Hendrikse will perform as he leads the Springboks against Wales. "Overall, he's physical and big. He maybe doesn't have the fine skills that a guy like Manie has. But he can certainly kick the ball a mile and he stands his ground in his channel," Erasmus said. "I think very few guys are up there with Manie when it comes to handling skills. But let's see, maybe he surprises us with that on Saturday."
As Jordan Hendrikse prepares to take on a more prominent role in the Springboks' line up. All eyes will be on his performance against Wales. With his physicality, big boot, and determination, Hendrikse could become a key player in the Springboks' strategy moving forward.
With his family connection to Jaden and the physicality he brings to the fly-half role, Jordan Hendrikse's performance could be a game-changer for the Springboks in their match against Wales. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see how the young star steps up to the challenge.
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