‘Crampgate’ saga at the forefront of Munster’s return to the Shark Tank

The Sharks face Munster in the United Rugby Championship for the first time since last year’s infamous quarter-final at Kings Park.

With the teams locked at 24-24 after extra time, the match went into a penalty shootout, which the Sharks won 6-4.

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But there was plenty of niggle during that shootout with Jaden Hendrikse delaying Munster when he went down with cramp.

With Hendrikse aiming a wink at Sharks support staff, Munster felt that he was faking it, and were incensed, as his treatment prevented them from taking an attempt at goal until he was moved off the field.

‘Crampgate’ got plenty of reaction following the Sharks’ victory, and flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, who succeeded with his attempts at goal, knows that the Irish side will want revenge come Saturday.

Asked by reporters if last year’s match will be in the back of the Sharks’ players' minds, Hendrikse said that the coastal franchise was focusing on Saturday.

“No, for us, the main thing is the main thing, and that's focusing on the game,” said Hendrikse.

“That was a genuine cramp, and I know with the media and everything that's gone about, especially the week after that and how personal Munster took it.

“For us, it's focusing on the game, and the biggest thing is to get the result at the end of the day, so for us getting five points [on Saturday] moves us up a bit in the log, and we know we can't mess up any more games.”

Hendrikse, however, knows that it will be a tough task against a Munster side that is currently in six place on the log and has only been beaten four times in their 12 games this season.

“We know they're a team that never shies away from physicality. They're always up for a challenge,” Hendrikse said of the challenge ahead.

“They always stay in the fight. I think that's the biggest thing, and I think with new coaches coming in, they will support different elements to their game, more of a kicking type of game, or just that variation to their game.

“So for us, it's prepping well, and there will definitely be a difference compared to last season.

“Like I said, they have different elements, and we know we just need to be good on the day to get the result.”

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The Springbok pivot knows that Munster have an axe to grind with the Sharks following last year’s quarter-final.

“We beat them last time in the quarter-final. So for them, it's very personal to come down and win. We know they have a good record also in winning games.

“So we know they're going to be up for the challenge," Hendrikse said.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 17:00.

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jaden hendrikse Jordan Hendrikse Munster Rugby Sharks United Rugby Championship