Springbok Jaden Hendrikse returns to Sharks lineup for Currie Cup

After going unbeaten on the road in their last two matches, the Sharks are back at Kings Park for Sunday's return leg match

Hendrikse suffered a shoulder injury four months ago, but has been passed fit once again, being named as the starting scrumhalf, with Bradley Davids playing off the bench.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made two further changes to the side that drew with the Airlink Pumas last weekend, handing Mawande Mdanda a start at loosehead in place of Trevor Nyakane, while Yaw Penxe is back on the wing for Jaco Williams.

Hendrikse's return comes at a pivotal time in the tournament. After three early, albeit narrow, losses, the Sharks hit their straps against the Lions two weeks ago, putting together an impressive performance to defeat the unbeaten Joburg team, and then suffered a last-gasp draw to the Pumas when the Mbombela team drew level with a penalty in the last act of a pulsating game.

The Springbok scrumhalf will look to dictate the pace of the game and his calm style of play will benefit the youngsters around him. 

Only 24 years of age, it's hard not to think of him as a youngster, but with 15 test caps to his name since making his international debut as a 21-year-old and a further half-century of appearances for the Sharks across various competitions, he brings a wealth of experience to the side.Sharks - 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Bathobele Hlekani, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Braam ReynekeReplacements: 16 Bryce Calvert, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Kabous Bezuidenhout, 19 Hennie Sieberhagen, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Chris Horak, 23 Anthony Volmink

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