During the course of the 2024 Test season to date, the Springbok coaches have received some clear answers to previously uncertain questions.
Prior to the start of the Rugby Championship, one of the big question marks revolved around the scrumhalf berth following a serious injury to Faf de Klerk.
Considering that De Klerk is about to turn 33-years-old, it may have been a blessing in disguise to test some of the Springboks’ other options at No 9, but there is no doubt that long-haired blonde maestro was sorely missed at times.
From Cobus Reinach to Grant Williams to Morne van den Berg, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was happy to share game-time around, but a decisive moment during the Rugby Championship was undoubtedly the return to fitness of Jaden Hendrikse.
After missing the start of the season due to injury, the 24-year-old featured off the bench against New Zealand in Cape Town and then again in Argentina as he worked his way back up to speed.
However, he saved his best performance for last as he started last Saturday’s Rugby Championship finale against the Pumas, with his speed to the breakdown, distribution and kicking game all adding to the Springboks’ dynamism on the day.
What clearly also worked in his favour was the fact that he was entrusted with the goal-kicking duties to take this pressure off Manie Libbok. He certainly showed his capabilities in this regard as he slotted his first three shots at goal, before going off the boil.
However, it’s an attribute that is almost certain to enable Hendrikse to retain the No 9 jersey on the end-of-year tour, especially if the Springboks want to stick with Libbok at 10.
All considered, it’s ultimately ended up being a stunning turn of events for Hendrikse, who started the season on the sidelines, while he has now quickly established himself as the first-choice frontrunner at scrumhalf.
BIG PLUS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
DO YOU AGREE THAT HENDRIKSE SHOULD REMAIN AT NO 9?
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