Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has welcomed the tough decision of choosing between talented young playmakers Jordan Hendrikse and Gianni Lombard.
Hendrikse, starting his fourth match of the 2022-23 Vodacom United Rugby Championship season, scored 21 points as the Lions held out against a late Dragons comeback to secure their first home win of the campaign on Sunday.
His performance has delighted Van Rooyen, who can still bank on Lombard to make an impact for the Joburgers after returning from South Africa ‘A’ duty.
“It’s a nice headache to have. One’s kicking and defence is world class and the other is world class when it comes to attack,” the Lions coach said.
“It’s also nice that both are excited to play. Both are still very young and can still develop a bit.
“Jordie has trained very hard in the last few weeks. They [Hendrikse and Lombard] push each other very hard on the training field and that’s good.”
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Tipped as a future Springbok No 10, Hendrikse has slipped down the pecking order for upcoming flyhalves in South Africa, but the 21-year-old has backed himself to once again be on the national radar.
“Ultimately it’s all about self-confidence. Things worked out for us [against Dragons] and that helps to believe in your own ability,” he said.
The Lions face Scarlets at Ellis Park on Sunday, with the Welsh arriving on the Highveld after defeat to reigning URC champions the DHL Stormers.
“We now have to build continuity in terms of space and momentum,” Van Rooyen said. “We will then have to be much more clinical – especially when we have the ball.”
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