The Springboks have set the stage for an electrifying conclusion to their season as brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse starts together at halfback for the first time in the Test against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
The Hendrikse duo, the 36th set of brothers to don the green and gold, promise to bring flair and chemistry to a critical match in the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour finale.
A Historic Moment for the Hendrikses
Jaden, an experienced scrumhalf with 19 caps, will team up with his younger brother Jordan, a dynamic flyhalf who has already made waves in his fledgling career. This marks the first time brothers have started for the Springboks since the iconic Du Plessis siblings in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Their inclusion is set to reignite memories of past family pairings while adding a fresh chapter to Springbok history.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is confident about the pair’s impact:
“Jordan played against Wales earlier this year, and we’re excited to see how he commands the game with Jaden by his side. The bond they share as brothers is something special, and we’re thrilled to witness their synergy at this level.”
Hanekom’s Big Debut
Adding to the excitement, loose forward Cameron Hanekom is poised to make his Springbok debut off the bench, becoming the 12th player to earn their first cap this season.
Hanekom’s versatility across the back row positions is a valuable asset for a team looking to end their year on a high.
A Clash of Pride and Redemption
The Springboks’ final Test of 2024 pits them against a Wales side desperate to break an 11-match losing streak under the roof of the Principality Stadium.
With Warren Gatland’s men looking to salvage pride in front of their home crowd, Erasmus has emphasized the importance of focus and intensity:
“Wales are a proud rugby nation. Their losing streak only makes them more dangerous, and we know they’ll come out firing. We’re determined to finish this season unbeaten in the north, but we’ll need to be at our very best to achieve that.”
A Season to Remember
A win on Saturday would cap an extraordinary year for the Springboks, completing their first undefeated northern hemisphere tour since 2013.
The team is riding high after a gritty 29-20 victory over England last week, and Erasmus has maintained a balance of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers in his squad.
Key Match Stats:
- Springbok record against Wales: 42 matches, 34 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw.
- The Principality Stadium showdown: The Boks’ average win rate here is 80.9%.
- Player milestones: Eben Etzebeth extends his record to 131 caps, leading a pack with an average of 35 caps per forward.
Starting XV Highlights:
- Backline: Aphelele Fassi (15), Cheslin Kolbe (14), Jesse Kriel (13), and the Hendrikse brothers (9 and 10) bring pace and creativity.
- Forwards: Captain Siya Kolisi anchors a powerful loose trio, supported by a reinvigorated lock pairing of Jean Kleyn and Franco Mostert.
As the Springboks prepare to take the field with history on their side and their sights set on an undefeated tour, all eyes will be on the Hendrikse brothers to see how they rise to the occasion in this high-stakes clash.
Springbok supporters, buckle up—it’s going to be an epic finale!
