The Springboks are gearing up for their season finale against Wales this Saturday at the Principality Stadium, and history is already in the making. The dynamic Hendrikse brothers, Jaden and Jordan, will take the field together at halfback, becoming the 36th set of brothers to don the green and gold. This marks the first brotherly duo to start for the Boks since the Du Preez brothers in 2018.

A BOLD NEW ERA: YOUTH MEETS EXPERIENCE
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes to the squad that toppled England 29-20 in London last week. This shake-up includes the addition of 21-year-old loose forward Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls) – uncapped – who is primed to make his Test debut from the bench. Hanekom will become the 52nd player to feature for the team this season, further proving Erasmus’ commitment to grooming the next generation while maintaining a winning formula.

“This is our last match of the season, and we are determined to finish the year on a positive note,” Erasmus said. “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, while at the same time giving guys like Jordan and Cameron, who have been exceptional at training on tour, a chance to show us what they can do.”

LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS: POWER AND PRECISION
The inclusion of the Hendrikse brothers isn’t the only noteworthy change. The Springboks have revamped their forward pack, introducing Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 7 caps, 0 points (Ireland 5 caps) – and Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 77 caps, 15 points (3t) – as a fresh lock pairing, while Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points – and Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 22 caps, 5 points (1t) – bolster the front row. Flanker Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 12 caps, 0 points – also steps into the starting lineup, replacing the injured Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Speaking about the Hendrikse brothers, Erasmus shared his excitement: “Jordan played against Wales in June, and we are very excited to see how he dictates play with Jaden alongside him.”

Regarding Hanekom, Erasmus added: “Cameron has shown his class at training throughout the tour and for the Vodacom Bulls. He offers us a few options at loose forward as he can play No 6, No 7, and No 8, which will be valuable with two locks on the bench.”

SPRINGBOK STARTING XV
1. Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 39 caps, 0 points
2. Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
3. Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 22 caps, 5 points (1t)
4. Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 7 caps, 0 points (Ireland 5 caps)
5. Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 77 caps, 15 points (3t)
6. Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 91 caps, 60 points (12t)
7. Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 12 caps, 0 points
8. Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 33 caps, 10 points (2t)
9. Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 19 caps, 19 points (2t, 3c, 1p)
10. Jordan Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 1 cap, 7 points (2c, 1p)
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 23 caps, 85 points (17t)
12. Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
13. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 78 caps, 90 points (18t)
14. Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 39 caps, 111 points (18t, 3c, 5p)
15. Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 10 caps, 30 points (6t)

BOMB SQUAD:
16. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 75 caps, 105 points (21t)
17. Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 10 caps, 0 points
18. Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 60 caps, 0 points
19. Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 130 caps, 30 points (6t)
20. RG Snyman (Leinster) – 39 caps, 10 points (2t)
21. Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls) – uncapped
22. Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 38 caps, 70 points (14t)
23. Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 79 caps, 772 points (7t, 109c, 168p, 5dg)

WALES: A TEAM WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
Despite suffering 11 consecutive defeats, Wales under Warren Gatland are far from a pushover. Erasmus was quick to caution his squad against underestimating the opposition, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of rugby.

“Wales are a proud nation with a world-class coach in Warren Gatland, and they’ll do everything to finish their campaign on a high note,” said Erasmus.

“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 – just as our supporters inspire us when we play at home.”

Saturday’s clash promises to be a thriller. Can the Springboks finish their season on a high and complete an undefeated northern hemisphere tour? Or will Wales rise from the ashes to restore pride in front of a passionate home crowd? Stay tuned to NetSport for all the action, analysis, and aftermath from Cardiff!

Author: Jay J Botes for NetSport