Hendrikse returns at flyhalf for Sharks, Fassi back on the sidelines for Bulls clash

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has recalled Jordan Hendrikse at flyhalf for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against the Bulls, while the unfortunate Aphelele Fassi is ruled out with concussion.

Last week, Fassi made his comeback from a long-term ankle injury in the Sharks’ Champions Cup defeat of Saracens in Durban. He is replaced at fullback by Hakeem Kunene.

Hendrikse was on the bench for last week’s match, with George Whitehead starting, but Pietersen has swapped them around for the Bulls’ visit.

There are no other changes as Pietersen opts to “not fix what ain’t broke.”

The Bulls arrive in Durban off the back of consecutive losses, a 46-33 home defeat to Bordeaux and a 50-5 loss to Northampton.

For the Sharks, their 28-23 win over the three-time Champions Cup champions is a confidence booster ahead of this big derby clash.

“A win is always important, it gives you belief, it gives you something you can work on, and it gives you motivation and confidence to take into the next game,” said Pietersen.

“We know it’s not going to be easy against the Vodacom Bulls; they’re also desperate, but what a challenge it’s going to be.”

Pietersen is continuing with his 6-2 bench split, meaning Whitehead and Jaden Hendrikse will cover all the backline positions. Jaden can also cover flyhalf, while his brother, Jordan, can move to fullback. Also, Grant Williams is at home on the wing, and Ethan Hooker can also move from centre to that position.

The versatility of the Sharks’ backs extends, of course, to inside centre Esterhuizen, who is equally at home on the flank these days.

Sharks team for Bulls

15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead.