Jordan Hendrikse expects 'personal' Munster battle following 'Winkgate' drama

Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse says the Durbanites are expecting something “personal” from Munster on Saturday (kick-off 5pm) when the Irish side revisits the scene of the epic penalty shootout, after the teams had finished the United Rugby Championship quarter-final locked at 24-24.

Jordan’s brother Jaden was the centre of high drama when TV footage showed him winking at Munster kicker Jack Crowley, while Hendrikse was being treated for camp after taking his second shot at goal. Irish fans were outraged and accused Jaden of a gamesmanship tactic to disrupt Crowley’s concentration.

Crowley nailed his kick, but it did not matter as Rory Scanell had missed an earlier attempt and Sharks substitute Bradley Davids stepped up and slotted a kick to win the Sharks the shootout 6-4.

“That was rugby’s first penalty shoot-out. It was unique to be in it, but we know that it will be a personal return to Durban for Munster,” Hendrikse said.

“They won’t have forgotten the wink and all of that stuff. They will be up for this one,” the younger Hendrikse added.

“For us, the main thing is the main thing, and that is to focus on the game. Jaden will be fine on Saturday (should he be targeted by the Irishmen). That was a genuine cramp.”

The flyhalf said that the Sharks will ignore any efforts by Munster to use “Winkgate” to put them off their game.

“There was a lot of media afterward about the wink. Saturday can be personal for Munster, but for us, it is about getting the result. We want five points to move up in the log. This is a vital home game and we know we can’t afford any more mess-ups.”

Hendrikse said the Sharks have used their time off since losing to the Bulls (and the Lions the previous week) wisely.

“We reflected well on the last two games,” he said. “What we lacked was focus on our own game, such as executing our kicking better, intensity, being up physically — those are things we did well against the Stormers but lacked against the Lions and Bulls.”

“With six games to go, we have no room for error. Our big focus is on going back to being consistent. We came from a consistent run against the Stormers, and then were inconsistent with the Lions and Bulls.

“Now we cannot afford any inconsistency in our game model. We just need to be more clinical and better at taking our opportunities,” Hendrikse explained.

“Yes, there is more pressure on us now, but if we execute our plan and what we want to achieve on the day, then there should not be a problem.

“First things first is our two upcoming home games (against Munster and Cardiff). Then we will look at the overseas challenge — the Sharks are away to Connacht, Edinburgh, and the Ospreys before finishing at Kings Park against Benetton and Zebre."