Springboks: Rising star reveals next ‘objective’ in Rugby Championship
Springboks and Bulls front-row Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
After making his Test debut for the Springboks against Portugal in Bloemfontein earlier this month, loosehead prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels is excited to build on that experience during the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Wessels, who is also capable of packing down at hooker, made a memorable start to his Test career and celebrated the occasion by crossing for the Boks’ first try in their 64-21 victory.
It was a special occasion for the 23-year-old as he was born in Bloemfontein and his entire family were in attendance.
Dream realised
Wessels, who plies his trade at the Bulls, said representing South Africa in the international arena is the realisation of a dream, but he is now fully focused of attaining his next goal – playing in the Rugby Championship against stronger opposition.
“It was a surprise and dream come true when I was first selected for the squad, but to get the opportunity to play against Portugal, and now to tour with the team to Australia has made me even hungrier to be part of this special environment,” said Wessels.
“I know facing Australia and possibly the likes of New Zealand and Argentina will be a completely different challenge, but it excites me immensely.
“The Wallabies are a tough team to face on their home ground, but to be surrounded with so many Rugby World Cup winners and such an amazing group of players, who are so supportive, and all have the team goal in mind, makes the Springbok set-up unbelievable.”
Wessels added: “The fact that this will be my first overseas tour with the Boks will make this moment even more memorable for me, and my only objective is to go out there and give my best for the team if I’m selected to play.”
Being involved in the Springboks set-up is a unique experience and Wessels is enjoying his time in that environment.
“There are obviously senior players in the squad, some of whom have won two World Cups, but each player – young and old – has their own role to play and they need to take ownership of that responsibility, and the coaches trust us to do that,” he said.
“They also encourage everyone to give their opinions which really makes this squad distinct.”
Tough Rugby Championship schedule
The Springboks kick off their Rugby Championship campaign with back-to-back clashes against the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth respectively on August 10 and 17, before returning to South Africa.
They will then take on the All Blacks in successive matches on August 31 in Johannesburg, and September 7 in Cape Town.
The Boks will then head out to Argentina to face Los Pumas in Santiago on September 21, before wrapping up the tournament against the same opposition in Nelspruit on September 28.
READ MORE: ‘They are a proper professional bunch’ – Springbok rookie’s frank assessment of Ireland
