Hollywoodbets Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse says his family was immensely proud when he and his brother Jaden were selected to play together in the half-back positions for the Springboks against Wales during the Autumn Nations Series in November.

The brothers, who are also teammates at the Sharks, became the 36th set of Springbok brothers, achieving this milestone in the final Test of the Outgoing Tour against Wales at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

While scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse is a seasoned Springbok and a Rugby World Cup winner from the 2023 victory in France, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse was earning his third Test cap, having debuted against Wales at Twickenham Stadium in June last year.

Jordan Hendrikse played until the 59th minute, contributing two successful try conversions and a penalty, before being replaced by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

The Springboks dominated the match, scoring tries through Jesse Kriel, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan’s Sharks teammate Bongi Mbonambi, and Edwill van der Merwe, securing a 45-12 victory. The back-to-back World Cup champions held Wales scoreless in the second half.

“It was special,” recalled Jordan Hendrikse, who attended Glenwood High School in Durban with his brother.

“It’s something my dad always wished for, and as a family, they are definitely proud of us. But for us, it’s about getting back, working hard, and eventually getting that opportunity to play together again. We know as a country, we are blessed at the Sharks, and we won’t take that for granted. But those international caps are something we definitely aim for in the future.”

The Springboks will commence preparations for the 2025 season with Rassie Erasmus and his management team hosting the first in-person coaches’ strategic session of the year, followed by a three-day alignment camp with 56 domestic players in Cape Town next month.

This will be the Springboks’ first gathering since their successful 2024 international season, with both Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse included in the group.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick attended a Sharks training session in Durban on Tuesday.

Following this camp, Erasmus, Stick, and the support staff will conduct virtual alignment camps with overseas-based players, talented youngsters, and injured domestic players who were not invited to the Cape Town camp.

The coaches will then assemble in Cape Town on Friday, 7 March, for a three-day planning session for the upcoming season, which includes the Incoming Series in July, the Rugby Championship from August to October, and the Outgoing Tour in November.

Before these international commitments, Jordan Hendrikse will face his former club, the Emirates Lions, in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday.

Jordan is familiar with the venue, having joined the Sharks from the Lions during the off-season. He notably denied his former club Carling Currie Cup victory in September.

The Lions were leading when the final whistle sounded, but a long-range penalty opportunity presented itself to the Sharks, and Hendrikse converted from well inside his own half.

It was a remarkable kick under immense pressure. When reminded of this, Jordan smiled, clearly recalling the moment vividly.

“I’ve practiced on that field a million times before,” said Hendrikse with a smile.

“So, I knew we had a penalty. Everyone was looking at me, and for me, it was just about staying calm, staying in the moment, and being in a zone. Everyone was concerned when the ball drifted left of the poles and then came back—I kind of knew the wind patterns in that stadium. It’s definitely something I’ll take with me in my career. For me, I still look for more opportunities and moments like that.”