Rassie Erasmus has hinted at pairing Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse for the first time at Test level, with the brothers potentially linking up as the Springbok halfback combination against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Erasmus has used the end-of-year tour to strike a delicate balance between winning and developing depth, using 50 players throughout 2024, with the final Test of the year set to continue this trend.
According to a report by Netwerk24, with the Springboks having secured wins over Scotland at Murrayfield and England at Twickenham, Erasmus will further expand the pool of depth against a struggling Wales side.
Erasmus reportedly hinted in the build-up to the tour-opening clash with Scotland that he may start both Hendrikse brothers against Wales.
Jaden Hendrikse started against Scotland, but struggled to deal with a messy breakdown, while younger brother Jordan has not played a Test since his starting debut in the opening match of the year against Wales at Twickenham, where he kicked two conversions and a penalty.
Meanwhile, Erasmus is reportedly also considering giving a recall to hooker Johan Grobbelaar and a debut to uncapped Vodacom Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom, as he aims to give the full touring squad a run.
The Springboks go into Saturday’s match having won 10 of their 12 Tests this year, claiming the Rugby Championship title in the process.
Wales, meanwhile, hit a new low under Warren Gatland, as the 52-20 defeat to the Wallabies was a record 11th loss of the year.
“Saturday is our last game of the year. We won’t see each other again until July. That’s why we would like to finish on a high,” Erasmus said after the wing against England.
“But we know when we play against the Welsh, it’s always a struggle. It will be an important week. I think the first thing will be to pick the team and then work really hard and analyse Wales’ way of playing properly.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
