Sharks and Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse has likened the United Rugby Championship (URC) to the English Premier League - widely regarded as the best football league in the world.
While there have been concerns over the scheduling of the URC, Hendrikse said the competition has helped his mental approach to the game.
The overwhelming consensus among the top rugby coaches in South Africa is that the scheduling conflict of the Currie Cup and the URC has created more challenges than benefits.
Both the Sharks (fourth) and the Bulls (third) though, are well placed on the URC log as the race to the playoffs intensifies in the second half of the season.
Long and tough
“What I’ve realised in the URC is that it’s a long and tough competition. It’s like the Premier League,” Hendrikse told Sportsboom.com.
“After winning a game, you immediately have to think about the next one. It’s so long that we play games every now and again. I’ve also realised that if you lose, you mustn’t dwell on a game too much but instead, try and fix things."
Partnering up with club and Springbok flyhalf sibling Jordan, is also a special experience for Jaden.
“It’s always special playing with him (Jordan, his brother). I can’t put it in words; it’s nice playing with someone you know and someone you’ve been playing with for years.
“Like I said before, my family is always proud of what we’ve achieved. For us, it’s just about staying humble and working hard.”
The Sharks are next in action when they make a trip up to the highveld to take on the Lions at Ellis Park on March 1.