Before the match against Wales on Saturday, South Africa’s rugby coach Rassie Erasmus made some changes to the team.
Erasmus replaced seven players from the squad that defeated England 29-20 and is expected to field Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse together. Additionally, Johan Grobbelaar, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, and Elrigh Louw are set to feature against Wales.
Number eight Cameron Hanekom, who plays for the Bulls, will make his debut despite starting on the bench. Hanekom expressed his happiness about this opportunity, saying:
“Since being a child, it’s been a dream to play for the Springboks. Now the dream will become a reality on Saturday. It’s unbelievable. I’m very grateful and privileged to be here. I hope to take the opportunity with both hands.”
“It never crossed my mind to play for Wales; it was more the media that speculated it.”
Wales, on the other hand, is under immense pressure after losing their last 11 Test matches. In contrast, South Africa has secured 11 wins from 13 matches this year.
Coach Erasmus shared his thoughts on the match:
“This is our last match of the season, and we are determined to finish the year on a positive note. 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.”
“We’ve experienced first-hand how a run of defeats can galvanize a team, and the fact that they’ll be playing at home with a passionate crowd behind them will inspire them even more.
“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.
“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 favor.”
South Africa is expected to line up as follows against Wales:
Starting XV:
Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Ox Nche, Johan Grobbelaar, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Jasper Wiese.
Replacements:
Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard.
