This weekend, the Durban-based rugby franchise, the Sharks, found themselves tasked with facing a grueling encounter to keep their hopes of featuring in the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship competition alive when they faced a motivated Munster.
With the Bulls already sure of their fate and the Stormers falling short against the Scottish club, the Glasgow Warriors, all eyes were turned to captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, and their team, who ensured that fans were kept on the edge of their seats throughout the 80 minutes.
It was a match in which tries and penalties were exchanged, but also one that was bombarded with countless mistakes by both teams. With the score locked in at 24-24, the game ultimately came down to the team with the best kicker, as Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth predicted earlier last week.
Fortunately for the Sharks, their kickers, Bradley Davids and brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, proved that they possessed the big match temperament needed after slotting six out of six penalties to lead their team to victory.
However, this did not come without drama as scrumhalf Jaden was caught exchanging insults with Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley, while he was also later accused of faking a calf cramp to delay the opposition number 10’s turn to kick to poles. The final straw, however, was when the camera caught Jaden winking at Jack during the physio’s assessment of his “injury” which caused the opposition to express his frustration.
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While most South Africans thought of it as good sport, this has since infuriated overseas rugby pundits who have since taken to social media platforms slamming Jaden for his “bad sportsmanship”.
@otbrugby 🗣️ “It was embarrassing on behalf of the Sharks” 🗣️ “Shithousery in a level you don’t tend to see in #rugby” The Sunday Paper Review panel discuss the controversial ‘wink’ by Sharks scrumhalf, Jaden Hendrikse, in a dramatic end to their URC quarter-final against #Munster. ♬ original sound – OTB Rugby
Both him and the Sharks back room staff should be banned for the semi final for the way they behaved. They were a disgrace and the ref did little or nothing to stop it.
— denis spillane (@SpillaneDenis) June 1, 2025
Such a pity we’ve allowed this shameful behavior into our competition.
— Divided (@Divided321) May 31, 2025
Also see:It’s a family affair: Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse prep for their first Springbok outing together
