South Africa's fly half Jordan Hendrikse kicks the ball and misses a penalty during the Summer Series international rugby union match between South Africa and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, south-west London, on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Sharks hero Jordan Hendrikse says his late father, Brian, “will be smiling down on us” after he slotted the winning penalty in the Currie Cup final against the Lions.
Hendrikse kicked a 59-metre penalty after the hooter to break the Lions’ hearts and kick the Sharks to a 16-14 Currie Cup final win on Saturday. Hendrikse, who is the brother of Springbok scrumhalf Jaden, lost his father last year.
"My family hasn't been going through the easiest time. My mother just had an operation, so there have been quite personal circumstances, but this will definitely put a smile on their faces.
"This is also one for my dad because he would have loved to see my brother and me play together. So this cup, and this final, is definitely for him. I know he'll be smiling down on us," Hendrikse said.
Hendrikse, who made his Springboks debut against Wales earlier this year, moved down from the Lions to the Sharks earlier this year to join his brother, Jaden.
Hendrikse will now feature for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, and is looking forward to grow and win more silverware with the KwaZulu-Natal side.
𝐀 𝐌![CDATA[]]>𝐎![CDATA[]]>𝐍![CDATA[]]>𝐒![CDATA[]]>𝐓![CDATA[]]>𝐄![CDATA[]]>𝐑 𝐊![CDATA[]]>𝐈![CDATA[]]>𝐂![CDATA[]]>𝐊 😲
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 21, 2024
Jordan Hendrikse's 59m kick won it for the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 😤![CDATA[]]>🔥 #CarlingCurrieCup pic.twitter.com/wV7GC6pk80
"My move was solely to challenge myself and my environment, and with the coaches we have, I knew I was going to grow as a player, and that's what I needed in my career.
"Look, the perks of that are winning a Currie Cup, and we're also looking forward to the URC (United Rugby Championship) and eventually the Champions Cup. Those are our goals.
"We need to celebrate this win, but also keep our focus on these big competitions," he said.
Reflecting on the long-range bomb, Hendrikse revealed the secret to his success.
“All those early mornings practising pressure kicks paid off. I just focused on staying calm and backing myself,” he said.
“It’s about staying in the moment and believing in yourself.”
@JohnGoliath82
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