Autumn Nations Series: Hendrikse brothers Jaden and Jordan to start as South Africa make seven changes for Wales clash

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Head coach Rassie Erasmus insists his South Africa team will not be taking Wales lightly when the two teams meet in Cardiff this weekend. The 52-year-old has made seven changes to the side who beat England at Twickenham, with the Hendrikse brothers, Jaden and Jordan, named in the starting XV. Wales have lost both of their matches this month, but Erasmus is still expecting a tough test.

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Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse will play alongside each other for the first time when South Africa face Wales in the final match of their Autumn Nations Series.

The brothers will be paired at half-back for the match at the Principality Stadium, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday.

As confirmed in South Africa's media release, it means they will become the 12th set of siblings to take to the field together for the four-time world champions.

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Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes from his side's 29-20 victory over England at the weekend.

But even with the end of the tour in sight, the 52-year-old insists there will be no let-up from the Springboks.

"This is our last match of the season, and we are determined to finish the year on a positive note," he said.

"We selected a squad that shows a good mix of experience and youth, which is crucial as we look to maintain some consistency in selection."

Flanker Siya Kolisi will captain South Africa, who have named a 23-man squad.

Five changes have been made in total to the starting pack, with locks Jean Kleyn and Franco Mostert getting the nod. Hooker Johan Grobbelaar, prop Thomas du Toit and flanker Elrigh Louw all start.

The Hendrikse brothers, meanwhile, are the only alterations to the backline.

There could also be a debut for No. 8 Cameron Hanekom - who incidentally qualifies for Wales through his grandmother - with the 22-year-old named on the bench.

Erasmus added that the game gives several players "a chance to show us what they can do".

"Jordan played against Wales in June, and we are very excited to see how he dictates play with Jaden alongside him," he added on the Hendrikse brothers.

"We are also delighted that Cameron is getting a chance to play after showing his class at training throughout the tour and for the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

"Cameron also offers us a few options at loose forward as he can play No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8, and that will be valuable with two locks on the bench."

'A world-renowned coach'

Erasmus has also thrown his support behind opposite number Warren Gatland.

The Wales head coach has come under pressure following defeats to Fiji and Australia this month.

Wales have now lost a record 11 successive matches, a run stretching back to last year's World Cup.

That, in theory, makes the Springboks heavy favourites for this clash, but Erasmus has warned his team to beware of the wounded animal.

"Wales are a proud nation with a world-renowned coach in Warren Gatland," he said. "They"ll do everything to finish their campaign on a high note.

"We"ve experienced first-hand how a run of defeats can galvanise a team.

"The fact that they'll be playing at home with a passionate crowd behind them will inspire them even more – just as our supporters inspire us when we play at home.

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"Obviously we'd love to finish the tour unbeaten, but we are well aware of the fact that we've had a few close results against them over the years at the Principality Stadium.

"A lot can change in rugby with a change in confidence and mindset, and Australia is a perfect example of how things can change in the sport if one considers how well they are playing now compared to last year.

"So, we'll show Wales the same respect we showed England and Scotland, and we know we know we have to be at our best to come out with the result we want.

"They are a team with everything to gain and nothing to lose, so it would be careless of us to think that we just need to pitch up and the result will go in our favour.

"In fact, a little over a year ago, they played in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which is a testament to the force they can be."

Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

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