Wales vs South Africa Team News - Hanekom set for Springbok debut at Principality Stadium
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus announced a robust team to face Wales this Saturday. With Cameron Hanekom set for debut, the squad features a powerful mix of experience and fresh talent. The lineup includes the Hendrikse brothers starting as halfbacks, while Manie Libbok is absent. Key players like Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe retain their positions, while Siya Kolisi captains alongside Jasper Wiese. Notably, Pieter-Steph du Toit is rested, with Elrigh Louw taking his place. Erasmus' selections underscore a strategic mix of strength and depth.
- Rassie Erasmus names strong Springbok squad to face Wales.
- Cameron Hanekom set for debut, becoming 52nd player used in 2024.
- Key players like Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende retain their spots.
Both Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe retain their places from last weekend (Getty Images)
On Tuesday afternoon, Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus named his side to face the embattled Welsh side on Saturday evening. While many thought Erasmus may rest a host of players, he has selected a very strong outfit.
Bulls loose forward, Cameron Hanekom is set to become the 52nd player used by Erasmus in 2024 and the latest debutant for the Springboks. Hanekom was named on the bench in a now familiar 6-2 split by the South African coach.
Brothers, Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse will start as the halfback pairing with Manie Libbok, who started against England, not in the squad. Handre Pollard remains on the bench.
From 12-15 remains untouched by Erasmus with Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Aphelele Fassi, Kurt-Lee Arendse and World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, Cheslin Kolbe all retaining their places.
Captain Siya Kolisi starts alongside Jasper Wiese while Elrigh Louw is at blindside in place of Pieter-Steph du Toit, who gets a well-deserved weekend break.
Below is the full team announcement from Rassie Erasmus.
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grabbelaar, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Cameron Hanekom 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Handre Pollard
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