Sharks coach JP Pietersen heaps praise on Jasden Hendrikse after crucial cameo

A sold-out Kings Park in Durban played host to a blockbuster derby, with the hosts running out 21-12 victors. The forgotten Springbok came off the bench with just 12 minutes remaining and his side down 12-7.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi inspired the comeback with a try, then a piece of brilliance from Hendrikse sealed the deal. His perfectly weighted dink over the top of the ruck was collected by flyer Edwill van der Merwe for the final try.

Hendrikse also made two steals at ruck time and caught a vital mark in his own 22m, earning the praise of interim head coach JP Pietersen.  

"That's what you want from your bench, you could see the energy and the impact," said the 2007 World Cup-winning Bok.

"I must give a massive shoutout to Jaden. I think he made four or five big moments in the game that really changed it for us."

While he was happy with the four points, Pietersen admitted there was still much to work on before their trip up north to face the Lions next Saturday.

"We could've done a bit better with winning the ball in the air," he added.

"There is always something to work on. But we knew that's what the Bulls would bring. They're a very good team with the set-piece, especially at scrum time.

"That's something we'll keep working on, but the important thing for us was how we stayed in the fight. For us to score three tries in those conditions is massive. We still wanted to attack and move the ball, and I loved the bravery to keep giving it a go."

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