New Springboks front-row forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels is set to realise a long-time dream when he makes his international debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Wessels has been named to start at loosehead prop in the Bok front-row and is one of seven players who are set to make their debuts for the four-time world champions.

It will be a special occasion for the 23-year-old Bulls star, who was born in Bloemfontein and schooled at the famous Grey College, and what will make the occasion – which he described as a “dream come true” – extra special is that his family will be in attendance.

‘Massive opportunity’

“I’ve aspired to be a Springbok since I was a young boy, so this is massive opportunity and a dream come true,” said Wessels, who apart from packing down at prop, is also capable of playing at hooker.

It’s special to make one’s Springbok debut no matter where you play, but it doesn’t get any better than being able to do so in Bloemfontein in front of my family. When I was growing up, we were all glued to the television when the Boks played, and the team has always inspired me.”

Wessels knows that playing in international arena is a big step up from provincial level, but he is relishing that challenge in what will be an historic first Test between South Africa and Portugal.

Obviously it gets tougher stepping into the Springbok set-up,” he added. “The defensive structures, attack, and set-up as a whole is different to what I’m used to, but I want to develop as a player and learn as much as I can.

Playing with and scrummaging against players like Thomas du Toit, Frans Malherbe, 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.”

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What makes Saturday’s encounter extra special is that his former Grey College schoolmate, Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, is also in line to make his Test debut after being named in the Springboks’ matchday squad as the replacement hooker.

“We started playing together 10 years ago at school level,” said Wessels.

We played in the U13 and U18 Craven Weeks, as well as the U16 Grant Khomo Week before moving on the Junior Springboks, so it will also be memorable to make our debuts together.”

Meanwhile, experienced Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am is set to return action at Test level, after last playing for his country in last year’s Rugby Championship, and he is looking forward to playing with the newbies in the Bok squad.

Fresh energy’

“It’s great that there’s some new blood coming through, and they bring a fresh energy to the team,” said the 30-year-old.

This will be a great occasion for them as individuals and for the team, and while there may be some nerves, I’m sure they’ll get past that and focus on the task at hand. We have a common goal as a team and we know that it’s going to be a massive challenge against Portugal, but it will be the same for us.”

Am added: “It’s going to be a big occasion for Portugal to face the world champions on home ground, but they are a quality team that beat Fiji in the World Cup, and they’ll give everything, so we are looking forward to the challenge.”