Hendrikse Brothers to Start for South Africa Against Wales

Jaden Hendrikse and Jordan Hendrikse, who play for Sharks in the United Rugby Championship, are set to feature in the Autumn Nations Series match between Wales and South Africa. The game will take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 23 November, with a kick-off time of 17:40 GMT. Coverage will be available live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, and via live text and commentary on the BBC Sport website and app. For the first time, brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse will start together as South Africa’s half-backs in the Autumn Nations fixture against Wales this Saturday in Cardiff. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has implemented seven changes to the squad that previously secured a 29-20 victory over England. Flanker Siya Kolisi will captain the 23-man squad, which features 17 players who are World Cup winners. The Hendrikse siblings represent the sole changes in the backline. In the starting pack, four alterations have been made, with hooker Johan Grobbelaar, prop Thomas du Toit, lock Franco Mostert, and flanker Elrigh Louw, who replaces the injured Pieter-Steph du Toit, being included. Initially selected, prop Ox Nche has been withdrawn, leading to Wilco Louw’s return to the starting tight-head prop position, while du Toit will play at loose-head. Jean Kleyn was also a late withdrawal, resulting in Eben Etzebeth starting once more. “Jordan played against Wales in June, and we are very excited to see how he dictates play with Jaden alongside him,” Erasmus stated. He added, “We selected a squad that shows a good mix of experience and youth, which is crucial as we look to maintain some consistency in selection.” Cameron Hanekom, a Wales-qualified number eight who plays for the Bulls, is scheduled to make his debut from the bench. The bench includes six forwards: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, and RG Snyman. Hanekom, who possesses a Welsh grandmother, was brought into the squad prior to the team’s departure for their pre-tour training camp in Jersey. This season, over 50 players have featured for the Springboks. Hanekom commented, “Since being a child it’s been a dream to play for the Springboks, now the dream will become a reality on Saturday.” He continued, “It’s unbelievable. I’m very grateful and privileged to be here. I hope to take the opportunity with both hands.” Hanekom also stated, “It never crossed my mind to play for Wales, it was more the media that speculated it.” South Africa will face a Welsh team that has experienced a record 11 consecutive Test match losses, placing head coach Warren Gatland under considerable pressure. Conversely, the Springboks are aiming for their 11th victory in 13 games during 2024. Erasmus remarked, “This is our last match of the season, and we are determined to finish the year on a positive note.” He added, “Wales are a proud nation with a world-renowned coach in Warren Gatland, and they’ll do everything to finish their campaign on a high note.” Erasmus further noted, “We’ve experienced first-hand how a run of defeats can galvanise a team, and the fact that they’ll be playing at home with a passionate crowd behind them will inspire them even more.” He continued, “We’d love to finish the tour unbeaten, but we are well aware of the fact we’ve had a few close results against them over the years at the Principality Stadium.” Concluding his thoughts, Erasmus stated, “They are a team with everything to gain and nothing to lose, so it would be careless of us to think we just need to pitch up and the result will go in our favour.” The starting XV for South Africa is: Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (capt), Elrigh Louw, Jasper Wiese. Replacements include: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard.