Coach Ricardo Loubscher has backed Jordan Hendrikse to return to the Lions from his time with the Blitzboks a more all-round player.
Hendrikse was given a surprise call-up to the Springbok Sevens squad for the penultimate tournament of this season’s World Series, the reasoning being the Blitzboks are struggling for depth at flyhalf as Justin Geduld, Selvyn Davids and Lubabalo Dobela are unavailable through injury.
The 20-year-old’s attacking prowess and snappy decision-making was a hallmark of his performances this season, yet it’s the defensive demands of the sevens format which Loubscher believes will further test Hendrikse, who boasted a 92% tackle completion rate in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
“It’s always nice to represent your country,” said the Lions assistant coach. “It’s particularly special when it’s the Springboks or the Blitzboks. It’s a really great opportunity for Jordan.”
“Off the field, just to get exposure to the national sevens culture will be awesome for him.
READ: Hendrikse call-up spotlights bizarre Blitzboks
“It’s an environment where you can learn a lot. Also, we’re obviously very hopeful that Jordan will bring back those experiences and learnings and let it filter down to his own game and to our set-up.
“Getting exposed to the format is definitely a plus for any player,” added Loubscher, who also represented the Blitzboks between 1999 and 2001, as well as earning four Test caps for the Springboks.
“It really broadens your skill base in general. One of the biggest things you learn is to beat a defender in a one-on-one situation. If you flip it, one also needs to quickly learn how to be a solid one-on-one tackler. You have to get the hit right the first time.
“Those are definitely skills you can transfer to the 15-man game again.”
