Rassie Erasmus has hinted at pairing Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse for the first time at Test level, with the brothers linking up as the Springbok half-back combination against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Erasmus has used the end-of-year tour to strike a delicate balance between winning and developing depth, using 50 players throughout 2024, with the final Test of the year set to continue this trend.

According to a report by Netwerk24, with the Springboks having secured wins over Scotland at Murrayfield and England at Twickenham, Erasmus will further expand the pool of depth against a struggling Wales side.

Erasmus reportedly hinted in the build-up to the tour-opening clash with Scotland that he may start both Hendrikse brothers against Wales.

Jaden Hendrikse started against Scotland, but struggled to deal with a messy breakdown, while younger brother Jordan has not played a Test since his starting debut in the opening match of the year against Wales at Twickenham, where he kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Meanwhile, Erasmus is reportedly also considering giving a recall to hooker Johan Grobbelaar and a debut to uncapped Vodacom Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom, as he aims to give the full touring squad a run.

The Springboks go into Saturday’s match having won 10 of their 12 Tests this year, claiming the Rugby Championship title in the process.

Wales, meanwhile, hit a new low under Warren Gatland, as the 52-20 defeat to the Wallabies was a record 11th loss of the year.

“Saturday is our last game of the year. We won’t see each other again until July. That’s why we would like to finish on a high,” Erasmus said after the wing against England.

“But we know when we play against the Welsh, it’s always a struggle.  It will be an important week. I think the first thing will be to pick the team and then work really hard and analyse Wales’ way of playing properly.”

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