Lions trust Jordan Hendrikse

Johannesburg – Jordan Hendrikse has been hailed as a future No. 10 for the Springboks, so many rugby fans will be glad to see him return to the starting lineup this weekend against Glasgow Warriors.

Hendrikse began the United Rugby Championship (URC) season as the starting flyhalf for the Lions against the Bulls, but has since primarily been a spectator. Last week against Ulster, he spent a bit more time on the pitch, entering the game after 30 minutes and helping to revitalize a tired team.

During that time, he defeated five defenders and assisted on a try as the Lions courageously but unsuccessfully attempted to overcome Ulster’s 18-point deficit.

In light of this, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has opted to start the young player from the beginning of Saturday’s game at Emirates Airline Park (kick-off 4pm).

The player he replaces, Gianni Lombard, who has been outstanding for the Joburgers thus far, drops to the bench presumably owing to rotational policy rather than his own transgressions.

However, many will concur that Hendrikse is a gifted cricketer with a bright future, but that he needs the final, important pieces of the puzzle to be regarded Test-match ready. Therefore, it is a wise decision for the Lions’ management to provide him with more opportunity to develop his skills.

Hendrikse is one of only two changes to a stable Lions team, the other being the return of hooker PJ Botha. Jaco Visagie, who has been moved to the bench as a reserve, has not yet regained his previous season’s form, whereas Botha is performing at a far more consistent level in the No. 2 jersey.

Francke Horn, arguably the side’s most in-form player, has another opportunity to impress and push for SA ‘A’ selection, alongside the formidable Ruan Venter – who is amassing an impressive hitlist of opposition bumps; and Emmanuale Tshituka, who is steadily improving in his new role at every opportunity.

The Lions are yet to win a game at home this season, having lost to the Bulls and Ulster, and will be hoping for a quick turnaround after their tight loss to the Irish giants.

The Joburgers are fifth in the standings with 15 points following five games, three wins and two losses. They have the same number of points as the Sharks and are two points behind the defending champion Stormers. They are six points behind unbeaten Leinster, who are now in first place.

The Bulls are positioned just below the Lions with 14 points.

Glasgow, however, is positioned 12th with 10 points and three losses following the same number of games. This season, they have failed to win away from home.

Lions team: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Joubert, 11 Quan Horn, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (capt), 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith.

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Zander du Plessis.