Jordan Hendrikse Handed The Keys As Sharks Set For High Stakes Bulls Derby

Jordan Hendrikse Gets His Moment In Durban

There is something about a Sharks vs Bulls derby that always feels bigger than the league table. Add a packed Durban crowd, December humidity, and a young flyhalf with something to prove, and you have the ingredients for a proper United Rugby Championship showdown.

The Sharks have confirmed that Springbok Jordan Hendrikse will start at flyhalf for Saturday’s clash against the Bulls, a decision that signals both trust and intent from the Durban side. Hendrikse steps into the number 10 jersey after the Sharks’ gritty 28–23 Champions Cup win over Saracens, a performance that restored belief after a stop-start season.

For Hendrikse, this is more than a selection call. It is a chance to run the game in one of South African rugby’s most unforgiving fixtures, against a Bulls side that rarely gives flyhalves time or space.

Continuity With A Forced Change At The Back

The Sharks have largely resisted the temptation to rotate, making just two changes to the starting lineup. The most unfortunate of those comes at fullback, where Aphelele Fassi’s luck continues to test him. Fresh off a long recovery from an ankle injury, Fassi suffered a concussion last weekend and has been ruled out.

Hakeem Kunene slots in at 15, tasked with handling the aerial battle and counter-attacking opportunities that often define matches against the Bulls.

George Whitehead, who started at flyhalf last week, moves to the bench, giving the Sharks a different tactical option late in the game if conditions or momentum shift.

Esterhuizen Leads A Familiar Core

Andre Esterhuizen will again captain the side, continuing a leadership role he took on for the first time last week. His partnership with Ethan Hooker in midfield has become one of the Sharks’ most reliable combinations, blending power, defensive solidity, and growing confidence on attack.

Around them, the team has a distinctly Springbok spine. Siya Kolisi starts at blindside flank, Bongi Mbonambi anchors the front row, and Makazole Mapimpi remains a constant finishing threat out wide. Grant Williams and Phepsi Buthelezi add tempo and physicality around the breakdown, while Vincent Tshituka continues to grow into his role as a lineout and defensive enforcer.

Why This Derby Feels Different

Interim coach JP Pietersen spoke about belief and momentum during the week, and that sentiment feels particularly relevant here. The Sharks have not always convinced this season, but wins like the one over Saracens tend to shift narratives quickly.

“The Bulls are desperate too,” Pietersen said, acknowledging the intensity that usually comes with these fixtures. That desperation cuts both ways. The Bulls arrive in Durban knowing that URC derbies often shape seasons, reputations, and coaching conversations.

On social media, Sharks supporters have largely welcomed Hendrikse’s selection, with many calling it a vote of confidence in youth and attacking intent. Bulls fans, predictably, see it as an opportunity to test an inexperienced playmaker under pressure. That tension is exactly what gives this fixture its edge.

Team To Take The Field

The Sharks XV reflects a blend of experience, leadership, and emerging talent:

Hakeem Kunene; Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Andre Esterhuizen (c), Makazole Mapimpi; Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams; Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi; Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins; Hanro Jacobs, Bongi Mbonambi, Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements include Jaden Hendrikse and George Whitehead, offering flexibility in the halves, as well as Marvin Orie and Matt Romao to inject physicality late on.

A Defining Night Under Kings Park Lights

Durban derbies have a habit of exposing nerves and rewarding bravery. For Jordan Hendrikse, this is a night where calm decision-making will matter as much as flair. For the Sharks, it is another opportunity to convince their supporters that this squad can still grow into something formidable.

Win or lose, this selection feels like a statement. The Sharks are backing belief, continuity, and a flyhalf ready to take ownership when it matters most.

{Source:SABC Sports}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com