Gloves off at Loftus Versfeld as Jordan Hendrikse eyes showdown with Handré Pollard

After coming out on top against Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in consecutive weeks during the United Rugby Championship (URC), Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has Bulls pivot Handré Pollard in his sights.

It’s a player the 24-year-old has learned a great deal from; however, the gloves will come off this weekend at Loftus Versfeld (5pm kick-off) should the duo face each other. It’s a crucial URC match for the Sharks as they find themselves the only local side not in the Top 8 of the competition.

A victory could see them break into a play-off spot after missing out last weekend in the loss to the Lions, and they could also seal the SA Shield with a bonus-point win.

Hendrikse is expected to take up the No 10 jersey after Siya Masuku started last weekend, and he will be keen to restart his halfback partnership with his brother Jaden. The duo were instrumental in the victories over the Stormers in Cape Town and Durban.

They were deservedly rewarded with spots in the Springboks’ first alignment camp of the season next week in Cape Town. For now, however, their focus will be solely on the Bulls and getting back to winning ways.

“Handré is one of the best, and it is always good to play against him and learn from him in terms of how he manages the Bulls, the Boks and his overall game control,” Hendrikse said.

“It is always going to be good and competitive — that is what all of us like. Depending on the result, we will have a good chat afterwards. But it is always good to play against familiar faces and test yourself against the best.

“Whoever controls the game well enough will give their team the best chance to win. It is always good and competitive.”

On the tussle for the Sharks’ No 10 jersey, Hendrikse says the competition between himself and Masuku keeps them on their toes. Both share the same ambition — to drive the team on attack — and whoever gets the nod on a given weekend is fully supported by the other.

Masuku, though, did not have the best of games as the general against the Lions, but whoever is selected this weekend will look to step up against the Springbok general.

“We are very good friends, and the rivalry will always be there in a competitive environment. Whoever plays on the weekend, we want the best for each other. At training, we really push each other. That brings out the best in us and in the team.

“It is competitive and drives both of us to be better. It is a healthy culture to have, and I am enjoying it a lot.”