Sam Warburton was left gobsmacked by 'dirty' moment in Lions match
During the squad's 2021 tour of South Africa, a rival player saw red for a shameful display of violence. As the Lions prepare for a potentially decisive Test match against Australia this Saturday, tensions are sure to rise in Melbourne. Yet it's unlikely supporters will see anything as underhanded as Jaden Hendrikse's assault on Liam Williams four years ago.
Hendrikse, playing scrum-half for the Sharks and just 21 at the time, seemed eager to make an impression in the warm-up clash with the visiting side. But instead of showcasing skill, he left a more literal impact - delivering an illegal elbow to Williams' head after play had stopped.
With the game tied at 26-all in the early stages of the second half, forward Dylan Richardson brought Williams down out of bounds. However, Hendrikse took things further, entering the fray and driving his elbow into the Welshman's head while he lay at the breakdown.
"I'm stunned at that," said former Cardiff and Wales flanker Warburton, then working as a commentator for Sky Sports. "In this day and age, you think you can get away with that?"
Warburton, who holds the record for most Test captaincies for Wales (49), made his living from being a master of the breakdown. And he did so with grace and decorum, despite his controversial dismissal against France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final. Jaden Hendrikse was once sent off against the Lions after the Sharks scrum-half elbowed Lia Williams in the head (Image: SuperSport)
He wasn't the only one outraged by what happened that day in Pretoria. Ex-referee Nigel Owens also backed Wayne Barnes' decision to dismiss Hendrikse, after the incident was flagged by TMO Stuart Berry.
Owens noted he might have issued a yellow card in the moment had he been officiating. Still, he ultimately accepted the red card given the nature of the offense.
"I'm not surprised, to be honest," he added. "It may have not looked [like there was] much force in it, but it was needless. An elbow straight to the head – you don't want that type of thing. That's what we want out of the game. The game is tough as it is. I agree with that decision." Hendrikse followed through with his elbow when he thought no-one was watching (Image: SuperSport)
Despite the controversy, the Lions had the final word, routing the Sharks 71-31 in the second of two consecutive matches. Hendrikse was later handed a three-week suspension for the incident - reduced from six weeks following his admission of guilt and formal apology.
Now 25, Hendrikse has once again drawn criticism - this time for perceived gamesmanship. During the Sharks' recent URC penalty shootout triumph over Munster, the Springbok playmaker appeared to fake cramp, delaying Jack Crowley's kick, before flashing a cheeky wink.
The moment went viral, with many accusing the half-back of poor conduct. Some fans defended it as part of the psychological edge in top-tier sport, but for many viewers - especially in Europe - it reinforced Hendrikse's reputation for controversy.
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