Erasmus explained the decision to replace Malherbe with a backline player, saying there was enough depth among the props in the group after the call-up of Wilco Louw, who has joined fellow front-rankers Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche and Gerhard Steenekamp in the squad.
Earlier, Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Cameron Hanekom (loose forward) were also called up after the withdrawal of Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Damian Willemse, who were ruled out with ankle and groin injuries respectively.
“Jordan has been playing well for the Sharks in the URC and he’s a capped Springbok, so he is familiar with our structures,” said Erasmus.
“This will also serve as a great opportunity for him to get further exposure at international level and in the Springbok set-up. We also have good depth among the forwards, so we opted to call up Jordan to add further depth among the backs.
“He’s a talented player and he’s been growing in the role at his union as we saw with his late penalty goal to earn the Sharks the Currie Cup title earlier this season, and through his recent performances in the URC, so we are excited to see what he can add to the squad.”
The other Hendrikse joins the Boks
Frans Malherbe yields to ankle injury, allowing Jordan to join Jaden
Image: Paul Harding (Gallo Images)
Jordan Hendrikse will replace double Rugby World Cup winner and Springbok anchorman Frans Malherbe on the end of year tour.
Malherbe, who picked up an ankle injury in the Stormers' United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Glasgow Warriors last weekend, remained behind for treatment when the squad departed on Sunday, but it has been decided he should make way for the in-form Hendrikse.
It means the Springboks will be without the props that started last year's Rugby World Cup final with loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff also yielding to injury this season.
Hendrikse — the brother of scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse — started his first and only Test against Wales in London in June in the Boks’ opening match of the season, while he was also named in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’s standby squad for the inbound Tests.
Hendrikse, who left the Lions for the Sharks, has impressed with his goal-kicking and temperament this season. He will join the squad in Jersey in the Channel Islands on Thursday.
Erasmus explained the decision to replace Malherbe with a backline player, saying there was enough depth among the props in the group after the call-up of Wilco Louw, who has joined fellow front-rankers Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche and Gerhard Steenekamp in the squad.
Earlier, Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Cameron Hanekom (loose forward) were also called up after the withdrawal of Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Damian Willemse, who were ruled out with ankle and groin injuries respectively.
“Jordan has been playing well for the Sharks in the URC and he’s a capped Springbok, so he is familiar with our structures,” said Erasmus.
“This will also serve as a great opportunity for him to get further exposure at international level and in the Springbok set-up. We also have good depth among the forwards, so we opted to call up Jordan to add further depth among the backs.
“He’s a talented player and he’s been growing in the role at his union as we saw with his late penalty goal to earn the Sharks the Currie Cup title earlier this season, and through his recent performances in the URC, so we are excited to see what he can add to the squad.”
Should they require the service of another prop it should logistically be a straight forward process.
“With the UK and South Africa being in similar time zones it would be simple to call up another prop should the need arise during the tour.”
The Springboks started their on-field preparations for the November tour in Jersey on Tuesday after having a recovery day on Monday following the trip to the island via London on Sunday.
The Boks will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday November 10), England in London (Saturday November 16) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday November 23) on their traditional end-of-year tour.
Updated Springbok squad
READ MORE:
New Bok Hanekom drafted in for Willemse
ASG to meet rugby franchise equity investors
Lions show claws but not enough bite against Leinster
Efficient Sharks sink teeth into Munster
Lions' URC winning run halted by Leinster in Dublin
Stormers go down to Glasgow Warriors in URC clash
Bulls pull off courageous win
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos