Jaden Hendrikse, the scrumhalf, faced a challenging year in 2021 due to a severe shoulder injury that kept him out of the Rugby Championship. While the Springboks prepare for their final game against Argentina, speculation is rising about Hendrikse’s position in the World Cup squad.
The Springbok coaches have distributed game time evenly among players this season. Although Hendrikse has recovered from his injury, he will not participate in the upcoming game. The position 9 options for the Springboks are abundant, including Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, and Cobus Reinach, who are strong contenders for the World Cup. Herschel Jantjies, who will be on the bench this weekend, is expected to be a close runner-up.
Bok coach, Jacques Nienaber, shared insights into Hendrikse’s current status in a recent team selection. Nienaber confirmed that Hendrikse is fit and ready to play, but an unfortunate family tragedy prevented him from participating. The coach also mentioned that game distribution plans were shared with the squad, and changes could be made due to injuries or a loss of form.
Nienaber emphasized the coaching staff’s familiarity with Hendrikse’s abilities, citing his performance in a critical game against the All Blacks at Mbombela last year. Although he has limited test experience, Hendrikse played a significant role in driving the pack forward and securing a positive outcome. The coach urged fans not to read too much into the situation and attributed Hendrikse’s absence to unfortunate events rather than a lack of skill.
This weekend, Cobus Reinach and Herschel Jantjies have been granted playing opportunities, with Reinach returning to the field and Jantjies experiencing his first chance this year. Hendrikse would have been given a chance earlier if not for his injury and the unforeseen family event.
The Springboks’ lineup for the upcoming game includes Damian Willemse, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Ande Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Deon Fourie, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi (captain), and Trevor Nyakane. The substitutes comprise Joseph Dweba, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Jean-Luc du Preez, Evan Roos, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
As the Springboks approach their final pre-World Cup game, Hendrikse’s absence from the lineup remains an intriguing subplot. However, the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities persists, and it remains to be seen how Hendrikse’s story will unfold as the World Cup squad announcement approaches.
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