Scott Matty presents attacking plan for Sharks ahead of URC season

Rassi Erasmus stated that the Wallabies will present the Springboks with a completely different challenge after the intense series of matches against the New Zealand team. The Springboks conducted their first training session at the base in Terrigal, New South Wales, the day before the match against the Wallabies in Perth next Sunday. Rassi Erasmus emphasized the significance of the confrontation with Australia on home ground, given that only 13 months remain until the World Cup.

Erasmus noted that although the Springboks arrived in Australia from Baltimore after a tough four-match series against New Zealand, and had previously played Argentina, he believes the Wallabies will be significantly different from the New Zealand team, but the match in Perth is still very important.

He reminded that people have long been interested in the importance of this game. Erasmus highlighted the rich traditions of Australian rugby, mentioning that they were strong when playing great players like George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, and also noted that Australia has won the World Cup twice and was in the final in 2003.

An additional stimulus for Australia will be the status of host country for the next World Cup, while the Springboks will return to Perth during the tournament to play Romania in the third group match. Erasmus stated that it is extremely important for them to have the opportunity to play against the host nation of the World Cup in a major test match when opponents are fresh, and they arrive after a very difficult series against New Zealand.

Despite this, Erasmus does not intend to view the game as just a World Cup rehearsal. He expects the Wallabies team to be motivated to impress their fans. He added that both Argentina and New Zealand tested the Springboks, and they do not doubt that they will face a highly motivated Wallabies team, which has not lost under the new coach Les Kiss. Erasmus concluded that it will be a completely different type of game compared to the series against New Zealand, and they will need another full 80-minute game to achieve the desired result.

Captain Siya Kolisi reported that the team will maintain its core principles while adapting to the specific demands presented by the Wallabies. Kolisi emphasized the importance of preparation in Australia, noting that the team has gone through several tough battles against Australia where they sometimes lost. He also mentioned that the training went well, and it was nice to see many South Africans who came to support them in Terrigal. He clarified that the team's core values will remain the same, but since Australia is fundamentally different from New Zealand, they will have to adjust some aspects.

This ability to adapt will be one of the key tests for the Springboks as they begin the next phase of World Cup preparation. During Friday's training, a lighter topic arose when Erasmus was asked about the unusual buzz cuts of members of the Springboks management. According to available information, the haircuts are the result of a bet, but Erasmus declined to comment on the details, laughing.

Experts compiled a dream team for the series of matches between great rugby rivals, where the Springboks won 3-1. Analysts note that the small number of All Blacks players included in this squad indicates the superiority of the Boks in the four test matches.

The Greatest Rivalry in Rugby

Damian de Allende stated that playing against All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett during this great rivalry brought him 'real pleasure.' When compiling a dream team, people often look at favorites and assess how many opponent players can make the squad.

Among the list of top players representing South Africa are athletes such as Damian Willemse, despite an injury in the third match, whose performance in the other three matches allowed him to surpass Damian McKenzie. Will Jordan from New Zealand was also included in the squad, whose four touchdowns in four tests confirm his status as one of the most dangerous finishers in the game.

Jesse Kriel from South Africa demonstrated high professionalism despite missed tackles in the first match, and has 94 caps due to his exceptional organization in attack and defense. Damian de Allende noted that the choice between him and Jordie Barrett was extremely difficult, but the South African player secured a spot in the team.

The squad also included players from South Africa, such as Ethan Hooker, whose versatile play in two matches was outstanding, as well as Mani Leibbok, who proved to be a more threatening attacking force than Ruben Law and Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Cameron Roigard from New Zealand, despite the theatricality when kicking penalties, established himself as a classy player, constantly putting pressure on the Boks.

Ardie Savea, captain of the All Blacks, was sensational and very influential before sustaining a serious shoulder injury, which was a disappointment as he could not play in the fourth match. Pieter-Steph du Toit from South Africa is considered by many to be the best Springbok, possessing incredible energy reserves. Siya Kolisi, the captain, showed his significance by helping solve the Boks' problems with post-contact rucks after returning from injury.

The squad also included Rwan Nortje, compared to Pieter-Steph du Toit in the second row, and Eben Etzebeth, a colossal player who performed heavy, often unnoticed work for the fans. Vilko Lew maintained his reputation as the world's best tighthead prop, and Ox Nche has strong claims to the title against his own All Blacks team.

Sharks midfielder Jayden Hendricks will lead the team alongside winger Fepsy Butelezi in the URC friendly match tomorrow against the Lions at Ellis Park, where he will play next to his brother Jordan.

As the Sharks head to Johannesburg for the final URC friendly match against the strong Lions at Ellis Park on Friday (the match starts at 15:00), all attention is focused on the refreshed backline, bolstered by a familiar family pair.

Co-captains Jayden Hendricks and his brother Jordan start together in midfield, providing Head Coach J.P. Petersen with a powerful, international core as the Durban-based team completes final preparations for the 2026/27 season opener against the Otripes at home on September 26.

For both brothers, the Friday match at Ellis Park holds personal significance as they aim to build momentum after the 2025/26 campaign, which was disrupted by injuries.

Jayden, who earned 20 Springbok caps, played only 10 URC matches for the Sharks last season. Meanwhile, Jordan, who received his second Springbok cap in the same international window, participated in eight URC matches last season, regularly switching between winger and fullback positions.

Now starting together in positions 9 and 10, the brothers enter the new campaign with a desire to prove their worth. Petersen highly praised their dedication off the field, noting that their work ethic sets the standard for the entire team ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Petersen stated at a press conference on Thursday: 'They are complete professionals who work very hard both on and off the field. They love rugby, they watch rugby, they are obsessed with the game. They push each other on the field, joke around, and it's just wonderful to see two brothers together.'

He continued: 'What a great start for Jordan to gain confidence and cohesion. Playing next to his brother, he gets this self-belief to perform. They inspire many players in the squad with their professionalism. Jayden is achieving personal records in training, and both look fit and strong. There is no pressure on them; tomorrow is just about getting quality game time, building chemistry, and getting back into the rhythm of rugby.'

In addition to the star Hendricks brothers, the Ellis Park squad showcases Petersen's secondary engine—a proven path through the Currie Cup. Petersen utilized this domestic tournament not only in terms of wins and losses but also as an active incubation environment for URC squad depth.

This strategy is yielding immediate results on Friday: young hooker Liam van Wyk has started, and midfielder Yanko Purch has taken a spot in the starting backline, while forward Johan Momsen is on the bench. Star Lyle Matthews is missing the game due to a minor injury, although he is expected to be ready for the start of the URC.

Petersen explained: 'If you look at player development rather than results, it was about creating depth and nurturing players who can step onto the field in the URC. The Currie Cup has done an excellent job of attracting talent for us.'

The clash at Ellis Park will serve as an undeniable benchmark. Facing the Lions, who recently showed strong form against the XV All Blacks, the Sharks are using the trip to Johannesburg to test new combinations, strengthen cohesion, and prove that their squad depth can withstand the intensity of championship level play before the URC 2026/27 campaign begins.