Rassie Erasmus Calls Up Jordan Hendrikse as Replacement for Injured Frans Malherbe
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made a surprising call to bring in Hollywoodbets Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse to replace the injured tighthead prop Frans Malherbe for South Africa's upcoming European tour. This unconventional replacement, swapping a tighthead prop for a utility back, reflects Erasmus’s confidence in the team’s forward depth and his focus on enhancing options among the backs as the Springboks prepare for a challenging test series in Europe.
Frans Malherbe sustained an ankle injury while playing for the DHL Stormers against Glasgow Warriors, and despite initial hopes of a recovery, he did not travel to Jersey with the rest of the 35-man squad. Malherbe’s injury opened the door for Erasmus to select Hendrikse, who is well-versed in the Springbok system and in strong form for the Sharks.
Although primarily a flyhalf, Hendrikse’s versatility makes him a valuable asset. Recently, he has played both as a fullback and inside center, and Erasmus likely sees this as an opportunity to fill the void left by another utility back, Damian Willemse, who was previously replaced by Bulls No. 8 Cameron Hanekom. Hendrikse’s diverse skill set means he could cover multiple roles on the field, adding tactical flexibility to the Springbok lineup.
Hendrikse, who made his Springbok debut earlier this season, will now have the chance to earn further international experience, particularly in the final test of the tour against Wales on November 23. With a solid debut under his belt, Hendrikse is eager to showcase his abilities, having been temporarily edged out by the rise of young Stormers star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
This replacement strategy highlights Erasmus's confidence in the Bok pack, which includes experienced props like Wilco Louw and Thomas du Toit. The Springbok coaching team, with ample depth in the forward pack, opted to focus on fortifying the backs by calling in Hendrikse rather than another prop.
Erasmus praised Hendrikse’s recent performances, especially in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC), where he has demonstrated both leadership and skill, including a clutch penalty kick that clinched the Sharks’ Carling Currie Cup title. Erasmus believes Hendrikse’s inclusion strengthens the backline while maintaining flexibility to call up additional forwards if needed.
The tour begins with the Springboks facing Scotland on November 10, followed by matches against England and Wales. As the Springboks gear up for these matches, Erasmus’s decision to call Hendrikse highlights his commitment to building a well-rounded squad ready to tackle European challenges.
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