Morne Steyn believes Jordan Hendrikse has the potential to follow in fellow Springbok goalkicking legend Frans Steyn’s footsteps, given the chance to run out in the Test arena.
Hendrikse, who will link up with his brother Jaden at the Sharks next season, was one of a sextuplet of Lions among the 16 uncapped players on the 43-strong list that attended the two-day Bok alignment camp in Cape Town this week.
He has often been utilised off the bench for The Pride this season, after the versatile Sanele Nohamba seized the opportunity at No 10 while the 22-year-old worked his way back to full fitness.
Still, Hendrikse has scored 59 points in 14 games this season, and quoted by Sunday newspaper Rapport, Steyn likens the former Glenwood prodigy to his similarly illustrious namesake and ex-teammate.
“Jordan is the new Frans Steyn,” the Lions kicking coach said. “He kicks the ball very far. “Jordan is a very good player with a good kicking game.
“His defence is good. He is nice and big and physical. That’s why he’s also an option at 12. He just needs a bit of experience and more gametime, then he will be ready for the big things.”
On Nohamba’s superb form and future, Steyn added: “He is doing very well at nine and 10, but I think his career can still go far at nine.
“He reads the game very well, has a good kicking game and also sometimes thinks outside the box. That makes him an exciting player.”
Photo: Willem Loock