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Springboks name backline player to replace tighthead Frans Malherbe
By Liam Heagney
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed a third alteration to his originally named Springboks tour squad, explaining why he has replaced the now unavailable tighthead Frans Malherbe with backline player Jordan Hendrikse.
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The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions had already lost Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Damian Willemse for the November tour to Scotland, England and Wales, replacing them with Johan Grobbelaar and Cameron Hanekom.
Not due to play their opening Autumn Nations Series match until November 10 in Edinburgh, Erasmus and co have assembled on the Channel Island of Jersey to prepare for their UK tour.
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A Tuesday morning statement read: “Jordan Hendrikse (fly-half) has been called up to replace Frans Malherbe in the Springbok squad for the Castle lager outgoing tour after the experienced prop was forced to remain in South Africa on Sunday due to an ankle injury.
“Malherbe suffered the injury in the DHL Stormers’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against the Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch last Saturday.
“Hendrikse – the brother of scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse – started his first and only Test against Wales in London in June in the Boks’ opening match of the season, while he was also named in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ standby squad for the Castle lager incoming series. The Hollywoodbets Sharks fly-half will join the squad in Jersey on Thursday.
“Erasmus explained the decision to replace Malherbe with a backline player, saying there was enough depth among the props at this stage in the group following the call-up of Wilco Louw, who has joined fellow front-rankers Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche and Gerhard Steenekamp in the squad.
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“Earlier, Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Cameron Hanekom (loose forward) were also called up after the withdrawal of Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Damian Willemse, who were ruled out with ankle and groin injuries respectively.
“The Springboks started their on-field preparations for the Castle lager outgoing tour in Jersey on Tuesday after having a recovery day on Monday following the trip to the island via London on Sunday.”
Erasmus said: “Jordan has been playing very well for the Sharks in the URC and he is a capped Springbok, so he is familiar with our structures.
“This will also serve as a great opportunity for him to get further exposure at international level and in the Springbok set-up itself. We also have good depth among the forwards, so we opted to call up Jordan to add further depth among the backs.
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“He is a talented player, and he’s been growing in the role at his union as we saw with his late penalty goal to earn the Sharks the Currie Cup title earlier this season, and through his recent performances in the URC, so we are excited to see what he can add to the squad.
“With the UK and South Africa being in similar time zones it would be simple to call up another prop should the need arise during the tour.”
A brand new first stop on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour ?#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/y2jO78eohS
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 28, 2024
Updated Springboks squad
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster).
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Scrum-halves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Fly-halves: Jordan Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
A 6-2 bench split is back on, then.
That is a formidable, and well balanced, squad. Backline and forwards - just great players all around. What a group to go on tour together.
And Wilco Louw...
When the squad was first announced I was disappointed not to see Hanekom / Wilco / Hooker / Hendrikse. 3 out of 4 feels like Christmas has come early.
And Wilco Louw
Thrilled, I’ve been calling for his inclusion all week. Now play him at 15 when manie is at 10.
Agreed. I was dead certain they'd bring in another Tighthead. But Pleased for Jordan.
Although I think Jordan is an out and out 10. coming in at 15 could be a good start. maybe he gets in to the 23 as utility back off the bench?
The reality is there will be more injuries - so much so that you can plan for it. So I wonder who else could get called up in the same vein of bringing in uncapped performers.
I still think Mchunu should be called up if we lose another forward. And maybe a lock.