JP Pietersen Reveals Why Vusi Moyo Was Preferred Ahead of Jordan Hendrikse for Sharks’ URC Opener
- Vusi Moyo has been handed a major role for the Sharks, but JP Pietersen has revealed what influenced the decision ahead of their URC opener
- Jordan Hendrikse had been working towards his return, but the Sharks have now made a different call for their opening clash at Kings Park
- The Sharks are preparing for a new URC campaign with a changed flyhalf combination, and Pietersen has explained the thinking behind it
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JP Pietersen has explained why Vusi Moyo has been given the No 10 jersey ahead of Jordan Hendrikse for the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship opener against the Ospreys on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
Moyo will start at flyhalf when the Sharks launch their 2026/27 campaign at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, while Hendrikse is unavailable for selection.
The decision comes after Hendrikse returned to the Sharks’ pre-season programme following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He also featured in the team’s preparation against the Lions as he worked towards a competitive comeback.
However, Pietersen confirmed that Hendrikse picked up another issue before the opening match.
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“Jordan’s got a little niggle, that’s why he’s not up for selection this week,” Pietersen said, as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.
That development opened the door for Moyo, who has impressed the Sharks coaching staff during their preparations.
Vusi Moyo earns Pietersen’s backing
Pietersen pointed to Moyo’s involvement throughout pre-season as an important factor behind the selection.
“Vusi is there and has been showing promising signs the whole pre-season. He’s led well, he’s been with the group the whole pre-season, so that’s why he’s ahead and in the pivot role tomorrow,” the Sharks coach said.
The Sharks’ midfield will feature Murray Koster and Jurenzo Julius, with Jaden Hendrikse linking from scrumhalf. Moyo will therefore have an experienced platform around him as he takes charge of the attack in his first URC start of the campaign.
The fixture is set for Saturday, 26 September at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, with the Sharks hosting the Ospreys in their opening match of the 2026/27 URC season. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 SAST.
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Sharks prepare for Ospreys challenge
Pietersen expects the midfield contest to be particularly interesting because the Ospreys have also changed their backline.
The Sharks coach highlighted Australian recruit Lalakai Foketi and suggested his side could face an Ospreys attack influenced by the possession-focused approach often associated with Australian rugby.
“It will be interesting to see what they bring tomorrow,” Pietersen said.
“If you look at Super Rugby and you look at the background of Australian guys, they love to move the ball and hold the ball. So we’ll see tomorrow if that’s going to be the same.”
The Ospreys beat the Sharks 21-17 in Wales in April, while the Durban side won the previous meeting at Kings Park 29-10.
For now, Moyo gets the opportunity to start the Sharks’ new campaign, while Hendrikse will have to wait for his next chance to return.
Sharks face added attention ahead of URC opener
Briefly News previously reported that the Sharks also attracted attention this week after announcing that the club would wear black in solidarity with victims of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
The gesture prompted support from some fans but also criticism over whether wearing black amounted to meaningful action.
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Source: Briefly News
