Sharks slammed for ‘shameless gamesmanship’

Jaden Hendrikse’s “cramp” during Saturday’s penalty shootout at Kings Park has been questioned after the Sharks scrumhalf winked at Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley.

After slotting his second penalty of the shootout, Hendrikse went down with what appeared to be calf cramps and was treated on the spot where Crowley was set to kick his second attempt.

TV cameras then caught Hendrikse winking at an infuriated Crowley, who nailed his kick before telling a Sharks staff member to “f**k off” as they finally left the field.

With Munster replacement Rory Scannell having missed his first attempt, Sharks sub Bradley Davids then secured a 6-4 shootout win for the hosts – and a Vodacom URC semi-final meeting with the Bulls at Loftus – by slotting his second.

The Sharks, and Hendrikse in particular, were slammed by Munster fans on social media after the shootout, while Sharks fans were criticised for booing Munster’s men as they lined up their kicks.

MORE: Bradley showed huge BMT – Plum

In its report, the UK Telegraph called it “shameless gamesmanship” from the Sharks and said the quarter-final would always be “remembered for actions of Sharks’ Jaden Hendrikse”.

Rugby needs heroes and villains and people talking about it.. so I actually wish that moment was even more high profile.

Jaden Hendrikse played his part, love it or hate it pic.twitter.com/lss2MhVRbU

— Grant Constable (@GrantConstable) May 31, 2025