Siya Kolisi blasts backlash over Jaden Hendrikse as ‘banter' after Munster URC drama during shootout
SOUTH AFRICA skipper Siya Kolisi has leapt to the defence of Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse.
It comes in the wake of the controversial
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Siya Kolise rubbished claims that his teammate was faking cramp to delay Jack Crowley's attempt in the URC semi-final
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Munster players were left devastated aftrer the controversial shootout defeat
The two-time World Cup winning captain rubbished online speculation that his teammate was faking cramp to delay
Kolisi said: 'We stand with Jaden. He is competitive. There has been banter everywhere in the game — we've seen it from players from all over the world.
'There is always a big thing about it, but it's normal. These things happen and people can say what they like. It's banter between two players, and that's all it is — and that's what Jaden is.
'From our side, he knows we're backing him all the way. He cramped - you can see he was definitely cramping.'
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Kolisi also hinted at double standards, appearing to reference Johnny Sexton's World Cup altercation with
He also alluded to similar antics from some Munster players in the past.
The flanker went on to further support his teammate.
He added: 'I get people saying stuff to me in the game, I don't moan about it.
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"We just carry on, or you react however you want to react. It is what it is. We are supporting him, we stand with Jaden.
'You've seen the ones that happened during the World Cup, and some guys who were on the field there have also done it to other people.
'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills
'Let's get over it — it's rugby, it's entertainment. That's what people want.'
The URC semi-finals now see Leinster host reigning champions Glasgow and the Bulls vs Sharks in an all South African clash.
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