The URC quarter-final between the Sharks and Munster was decided by a place-kicking competition after the two sides played out a 24-24 draw after extra time
Rugby supporters and Munster players were left enraged by the behaviour of Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse during the South African team’s thrilling penalty shootout victory over the Irish side in the URC quarter-finals.
The teams were deadlocked at 24-24 after an intense 100 minutes of rugby in Durban, leading to the quarter-final being decided by a place-kicking competition.
The kickers faced immense pressure. Munster selected Jack Crowley, Rory Scannell and Conor Murray for their kicks, while the Sharks chose Hendrikse, his brother Jordan, and Bradley Davids.
Jaden Hendrikse was up first and successfully converted the initial kick, appearing to taunt Crowley as he prepared for his turn.
However, the Munster fly-half remained unfazed, converting his kick before seemingly engaging in a dispute with Hendrikse, reports the Irish Mirror.
Tensions escalated when Rory Scannell missed his first kick for Munster, pulling it wide of the posts.
Hendrikse then scored his second kick but immediately fell to the ground, claiming to be suffering from cramp.
His treatment for cramp by the Sharks’ physios on the pitch obstructed Crowley, who was due to take a kick from the same spot.
Suspicions that Hendrikse had intentionally collapsed to delay Crowley seemed to be confirmed when the camera caught the South African player winking at the Munster fly-half as he lay on the ground. It sparked anger among the Munster players, who remonstrated with the referee.
In the end, Crowley maintained his composure to make his second kick, but Davids sealed the win for the Sharks, crushing Munster’s hopes.
However, numerous rugby fans on social media condemned Hendrikse’s unsportsmanlike behaviour during the place kicking competition, while the Telegraph newspaper described it as “shameless” gamesmanship”.
Former Munster player Barry Murphy stated: “Jaden Hendrikse is my least favorite rugby player that has ever played the game of rugby.”
Another fan remarked: “Hopefully, Jaden Hendrikse will someday be found at the bottom of a ruck, with 15 sets of stud marks on his back. Sharks v Munster was a brilliant game, but #JadenHendrikse disgraced his club.”
A separate commenter expressed their disapproval: “Extremely unimpressed with Jaden Hendrikse for the Sharks today. Wasted so much time at the rucks and now sledging opposition in the kicking contest, having shouted at the referee all night. Focus on your game son, lots of work to do there!”.
Following their thrilling victory, the Sharks secured a URC semi-final spot away to the Bulls next week.
