Jordan Hendrikse called up to Springbok squad to replace injured Frans Malherbe

Hollywoodbets Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has been called up to the Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour after experienced prop Frans Malherbe was ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Malherbe sustained the injury during the DHL Stormers' United Rugby Championship (URC) game against Glasgow Warriors last Saturday in Stellenbosch, leaving a spot open in the squad that Hendrikse will now fill.

Hendrikse, who made his Test debut against Wales earlier this season, will be joining the squad in Jersey on Thursday. His inclusion marks a strategic choice by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, who opted to bolster the backline depth instead of calling up another prop, given the availability of seasoned front-rankers such as Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, and Gerhard Steenekamp.

“Jordan has been performing exceptionally well for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the URC,” Erasmus noted. “He’s already familiar with our setup, and this is a fantastic opportunity for him to gain further international exposure. We believe he can add significant value to the backline depth and bring his recent form to the team.”

Jordan Hendrikse has been called up after a third member of the #Springboks tour squad has been ruled out due to injury - more here: https://t.co/R9aqbHo7Wx 👊#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/dIIEgBkPRM

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 29, 2024

Erasmus pointed out Hendrikse's impressive game sense, including a pivotal penalty goal that clinched the Currie Cup for the Sharks earlier this year, making him a valuable addition to the Bok setup.

The decision to replace Malherbe with Hendrikse reflects Erasmus' confidence in the squad's current depth among the forwards, with the coach assuring that if another prop is needed during the tour, travel logistics from South Africa would make the replacement seamless.

This reshuffled Springbok squad is set to face a robust lineup on their traditional end-of-year tour, starting with Scotland in Edinburgh on November 10, England in London on November 16, and concluding against Wales in Cardiff on November 23.

With their preparations in full swing in Jersey, the Springboks are gearing up for a series of fierce contests that will test the squad's depth and resilience as they aim to close out the already successful season on a high note.

Updated Springbok Squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour:

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)

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Flyhalves: Jordan Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), and 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)