He could provide the Springboks with another utility option in the future, but at present, young prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels is only focused on his Test debut against Portugal tomorrow and putting in a strong shift overall.
Along with a host of rookies, the lanky 23-year-old loosehead will get his baptism of fire against Os Lobos, as the Portuguese are affectionately known, in front of a sell-out Free State Stadium crowd in his home province.
It will be the Boks’ fourth Test under returning head coach Rassie Erasmus, and he’s selected seven debutants in the match 23 for the final clash of the July inbound tour in Bloemfontein (5pm start).
South Africa have lost one and won two this year against Wales and Ireland as they look to make it three from four.
Wessels, who is equally adept at hooker, will be building the depth of the back-to-back World Cup winners, who have an abundance of men in the middle of the scrum.
He will play alongside another debutant, Bulls teammate and hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and the 18-time capped Thomas du Toit in an exciting front row.
“This is a massive opportunity,” Wessels said this week about his debut.
“Growing up, playing for the Springboks is everything you dream about and work for as a kid. I am very excited.
“Any debut will be special, but it’s nice to make mine in Bloemfontein in front of my parents and family. This is where my rugby dreams started. It could not have played out any better.
Saturday is going to be special for Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Lukhanyo Am, but for different reasons - more here: https://t.co/nD6ThkS0YS 👊#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/5bD7yc20mF
“But it takes patience and hard work to get here. You don’t have an exact timeline of when things will happen ... You keep on working hard, trying to get into the team.
“It all starts with your union. When that opportunity comes, though, you must grab it with both hands.”
As a young boy, he was always hooked on the television when the Springboks played. Although as a youngster he did not have a specific position that he played in – he roved around in the pack of forwards – he highlighted former Bok hooker Bismarck du Plessis as one of his childhood heroes.
But, he added, any player in a green jersey looked good to him.
According to Wessels, it has been a major step up from franchise rugby to being in the national set-up, but he has enjoyed every minute at Springbok level.
He is hopeful what he has learnt from the coaches and props like Ox Nche, Du Toit, Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe will help him tomorrow.
Rassie 𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘴
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 17, 2024
Welcome to #ForeverGreenForeverGold 💚💛
Press play on Episode 4: New Breed ▶#Springboks pic.twitter.com/nbUzcrICej
“It gets tougher, stepping into the Springbok set-up. The defensive structures, attack and environment are different from what I’m used to. But as a player I want to develop as much as I can,” the Bulls front-ranker said.
“Playing with and scrummaging against players like Thomas du Toit, Frans Malherbe and Vincent Koch at training and the other front-rowers is a fantastic experience, and what makes this environment so special is that everyone wants one another to do well.
“It’s not about wanting to make the jersey your own.”
The former Grey College pupil could play alongside his school friend André-Hugo Venter, who is set to make his Bok debut off the bench as a hooker.
Wessels and Venter – son of former Bok hardman André Venter – played together since primary school and have progressed through the various age-group levels and reached the pinnacle together.
They had to leave the Free State to achieve their dreams.
“We started playing together 10 years ago at school level,” Wessels said.
“We played Under-13 and Under-18 Craven Weeks, as well as at the Under-16 Grant Khomo (week) before moving on to the Junior Springboks, so it will also be memorable to make our debut together.”