Exclusive: ‘It rarely happens at 19’- Jordan Hendrikse prepares for first Lions start

When the Lions take on the Stormers at home this Saturday it will be a momentous occasion for young flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse.

The 19-year-old Hendrikse has been touted as a future star for a while now in South African rugby circles. A product of the Eastern Cape talent factory Dale Junior, the Lions pivot earned himself a scholarship at Durban powerhouse school Glenwood High. That is where his talent was eventually nurtured with him quickly becoming a talent SARU had to keep an eye on, upon his SA Schools ‘A’ selection in 2019.

Jordan Hendrikse acknowledges his rare opportunity

It seems like the “tastemakers” of the country’s rugby fraternity were accurate in their prediction for Hendrikse as just under two years later, he prepares for his maiden start first for the Lions. “Of course it means a lot. As a youngster you always waiting for your opportunity, you never know when it is bound to happen. It’s all about proving a point and making a name for yourself whilst making the most of the opportunity because it rarely happens at the age of 19-20″ Hendrikse said about the significance of Saturday.

Hendrikse is also of the impression that it is a sign of his efforts both before and during his time at the Lions not being in vain, with him now getting his “just rewards”.

Feels as if his hard work is finally paying off

“It also means the hard work is finally paying off. It just shows that if you keep on backing and believing in yourself, saying that the opportunity will come, it will. And it eventually did come and now it’s all about making the most out of it,” said Hendrikse

Hendrikse had the option of staying in Durban with the Sharks after high school but opted to take up a scholarship at Stellenbosch University. Due to the covid-19 pandemic delaying academic proceedings, however, he decided to accept an opportunity back into the professional rugby system at the Lions in 2020. That is a decision he feels has been clearly vindicated.

Hendrikse believes he is being reward for trusting the process

“I definitely agree and back my decision to come here. The decision to go to Stellenbosch was always about developing as a player, becoming the best player you can be, at Varsity Cup level and eventually going into a professional set-up. But yeah, coming to the Lions was always a big decision, you always have to look at all the options that are best for your future. So far, coming to the Lions has been the best decision for my future and it’s definitely paying off as you can see,” said Hendrikse.

Hendrikse has made swift progress since joining the Johannesburg-based union. Last year he found himself as part of their under-21 side who finished runners up in the under-21 Rugby Championships. Then earlier this year he made his senior bow for the Lions in his home province, in their Preparations Series victory over the EP Elephants. He expressed his gratitude to God for all this progress as he feels it is a sign of prayers answered

He is touted as one of the most talented youngsters in the country

Hendrikse was recently selected to attend the SA Academy for the second year in a row last month. The best u20 players that SARU has high hopes of seeing become Springboks in the future. The education he has received there is something he isn’t taking for granted and feels it has been immense for his development at the Lions.

“It’s of course a blessing to have been there twice, It offers a massive development as a player. There are certain things you learn and discover about your role as a player and how you move forward coming out of the camp and entering a professional system”.

Hendrikse offers more insight on what it does for a player. “Coming from a national set-up, helps you return and play with so much freedom because you’re being so developed as a player. It was definitely a good experience and it’s a good set-up for young players who want to be the best in their positions, as you learn so much from coaches who have been at a higher level. You come back a totally different player with better confidence and communications,” said the Lions youngster.

Both Hendrikse brothers made their Rainbow Cup debuts last week

Last week marked a significant landmark for the Hendrikse family, as brother Jaden and Jordan made their Rainbow Cup debuts on opposite sides of the pitch as log leaders Sharks took on the Lions.

“It was definitely a special moment for both of us, as we didn’t get the chance to play with each other last year during the SA Academy. It was definitely one for the memory books and one we will treasure for a long time. There was definitely banter (laughs) and chirps flying before the game, which is just the brother love we have which is very competitive.”

As competitive as it is, Jordan insists the fact that older brother Jaden broke out and made a name for himself didn’t put him under pressure to “level up” as quick as possible. He also claims that it helps that they play in different positions.

Insists he feels no pressure to level up to Jaden

“There is no pressure, God has his own plan for everyone, even for us. With him being older he has more experience and a year ahead. We never put pressure on each other by comparing each other’s progress. It’s always been about believing in each other and always supporting him through his achievements and he does the same for me. It’s about being patient and believing your time will come because once you start rushing your system, that’s when things fall apart,” said Hendrikse.

The World Junior Rugby Championships were cancelled for a second year in a row this year, with Covid-19 robbing the Hendrikse brothers of a rare opportunity to potentially play alongside one another. Jordan bemoans that loss, especially being one of two teenage flyhalfs stepping up to the senior ranks at the moment.

Bemoans the loss of the u20 World Rugby Championships

“It was definitely heartbreaking, a painful moment with mixed emotions because I would’ve hopefully played with my brother I was selected last year. It’s a prestigious tournament and a good experience at a top-level, playing against top nations. It was definitely one that hurt a bit but it’s just life, you know? Circumstances don’t always go your way,” the Lions man said.

Hendrikse says he received the news of his Lions start earlier in the week, and because of the seasoned campaigners around him, he is more at ease with it now.

Admits to being nervous with selection initially

“There were nerves, but having to practice with experienced players that back you, gives you confidence and freedom to play your game. The nerves are now very relaxed, just very excited and buzzing for Saturday.”

Hendrikse understands that his role from the start for the Lions, will come with more expectations and the Braidbach-born youngster is well aware of what he needs to do.

“Your role changes when you start, because now you don’t play the impact role. Starting has a lot of pressure on you because you determine how the game will flow. Which is nice because you sort of have control over the game and its tempo.”

Lions coach Ivan “Cash” van Rooyen has had to shuffle around with his flyhalf options having lost experience captain and Springbok World Cup winner Elton Jantjies to a short stint to France, as well as his understudy Tiaan Schoeman. Having used the experience of Fred Zeilinga during the opening rounds, he has now opted to show his faith in you and Hendrikse reveals his words to him.

Message from the coach, and one to himself from himself

“Enjoy yourself, and he backs me. His expectations are just to control the game, give direction and back yourself. He also told me that it’s time for me to prove myself”. Short and simple. Hendrikse then speaks about how he will ensure the moment doesn’t overwhelm him.

“Just breathe, live in the moment and just relax. Pressure can turn into failure or success.”

He then concludes with a quote dear to him. “You learn more from failure than success. Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character” something I live by when it comes to failure,” said the Lions star.

The coach’s say on Hendrikse selection choice

Van Rooyen spoke very highly of Hendrikse at the Lions team announcement.

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“Jordan is an exciting choice and we hope to see his great talent coming through with Burger next to him to guide him.

“Fred is struggling with a small groin injury, but that’s not the reason why we selected Jordan. He is a big flyhalf and has a massive boot on him and we wanted to give him a chance,” said the Lions coach.