In a United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final that had everything, drama, tension, and a touch of controversy: Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse became the centre of attention for an incident now dubbed “Winkgate.”
The match between Munster and the Sharks was deadlocked at 24-24 after extra time, leading to a rare penalty shootout. Hendrikse, one of the Sharks’ kickers, successfully slotted his second kick before collapsing near Munster fly-half Jack Crowley, who was preparing for his attempt. While receiving treatment for what appeared to be cramp, Hendrikse winked at Crowley—a gesture that ignited a firestorm of reactions.
Munster’s Jack Crowley was visibly irritated, reportedly telling the Sharks’ medical staff to “f*** off.” Despite the distraction, he composed himself and made his kick. Former Munster player Alan Quinlan criticized the Sharks’ sideline behavior as “shocking” and unsportsmanlike.
Social media was ablaze with opinions. Former Munster player Barry Murphy expressed his disdain, stating, “Jaden Hendrikse is my least favorite rugby player that has ever played the game of rugby.”
However, not everyone saw it as foul play. South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus defended Hendrikse by sharing an image of the player’s cramping leg, suggesting the injury was genuine.
The Verdict: Gamesmanship or Genuine Cramp?
While Hendrikse’s cramp appeared real, the timing and the wink raised eyebrows. In the high-stakes environment of a URC quarter-final, such actions can be seen as psychological tactics. Whether viewed as gamesmanship or genuine discomfort, the incident added another layer of intrigue to an already intense match.
In the end, the Sharks advanced to the semi-finals, but “Winkgate” remains a talking point, highlighting the fine line between competitive edge and sportsmanship in rugby.
