Springboks’ World Cup rookie recalls where he was four years ago

Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse is thrilled about making his Rugby World Cup debut on Sunday against Romania and said it was an opportunity he didn’t expect this year.

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READY FOR THE BIG STAGE

Hendrikse has been named as the impact scrumhalf in Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s squad in a match-23 that feature all four scrumhalves in the RWC squad and he said he cannot wait to take the field.

“I’m very excited to represent my country on Sunday,” said Hendrikse.

“This is my first Rugby World Cup match, and it is an honour and privilege to be here, so I just want to go out there and do my best.

“I certainly didn’t think I would be here a few years ago. All the sacrifices, dedication, and hard work in the last few years lead to where I am now, so personally I am really looking forward to this opportunity.”

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FOUR YEARS IS A LONG TIME FOR THESE SPRINGBOKS

The Springboks face the massive task of trying to defend the title they won in Japan in 2019 in the global spectacle in France, but Hendrikse said simply being part of the squad was something to cherish.

“In 2019 when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Grant (Williams) and I were at the Rovers College in Durban watching the match, so it is a surreal feeling to be here and to be part of this World Cup.”

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