CARDIFF, Wales — In a significant development for South Africa’s rugby team, brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse are set to make their debut as the Springboks’ halfbacks in the upcoming match against Wales this Saturday, marking the conclusion of their autumn tour in Cardiff.
The Springboks, reigning world champions, have made seven changes to their starting lineup following a hard-fought 29-20 victory over England at Twickenham last week. Among the changes, uncapped Bulls flanker Cameron Hanekom is included on the bench.
In a proud moment for the Hendrikse family, Jaden will take on the scrumhalf position while Jordan steps in as flyhalf. This duo becomes the first set of brothers to play together for South Africa since Dan and Robert du Preez shared the field in a June 2018 match against Wales in Washington, D.C. Moreover, the last time brothers started for the national side was during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when front-rowers Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis were in action against Scotland in Newcastle.
The forward pack sees five new faces, including front-rowers Johan Grobbelaar and Thomas du Toit, locks Franco Mostert and Jean Kleyn, and flanker Elrigh Louw. Only three players from the previous match, captain Siya Kolisi, No. 8 Jasper Wiese, and loosehead prop Ox Nche, have retained their positions, the latter returning from an injury sustained during the match against England.
Kleyn, who stepped in for the injured Ruan Nortje, will make his first appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while Grobbelaar is set to play for the first time since August. Coach Rassie Erasmus expressed eagerness regarding the brotherly combination, stating that he is keen to see how Jordan orchestrates play alongside Jaden. Erasmus also expressed his thrill at Hanekom getting an opportunity, emphasizing the versatility he brings as he can cover multiple positions in the loose forward lineup.
Meanwhile, locks Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman, who began the match against England, have been rotated to the bench, which features a 6-2 split. Erasmus acknowledges the importance of finishing the tour unbeaten and emphasizes the necessity of respecting Wales, who are eager to break their record of eleven consecutive test losses, a streak that includes a defeat to South Africa earlier in June.
“We will treat Wales with the same level of respect that we showed England and Scotland. It’s essential that we are at our best to achieve the desired outcome,” Erasmus commented. He added that the Welsh team has nothing to lose, making them a dangerous opponent in their pursuit of victory. He also highlighted that just over a year ago, Wales was competing in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, showcasing their potential as a formidable side.
Here is the Springboks’ lineup: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobbelaar, Ox Nche. Reserves include Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, and Handre Pollard.