Springboks rookie Jan-Hendrik Wessels opened up on the technical aspects of playing hooker and prop at the highest level as he looks to continue a promising year with the Bulls this weekend against Scarlets.

Wessels has dramatically risen through the South African ranks and into the Springboks set-up thanks to his rather unique ability of being able to play in multiple front-row positions at a very high level.

The Bulls forward made his Bok debut against Portugal at loosehead prop where he marked the first start of his Test career with a try and has since featured at hooker as well for the world champions.

Focus on detail

It is no secret that the masterful head coach Rassie Erasmus values versatile players but there are few players who can effectively play in two front-row positions, with legendary former captain John Smit the last notable South African to do so. Of course, this means Wessels has to work extremely hard on all the specifics that come with these specialist positions.

“It’s an ongoing process and I have to work hard to perform equally at hooker and prop,” Wessels told reporters. “As a prop, my scrum work is obviously important, and I also have to be involved in the loose play.

“At hooker, I have to be able to scrum well in a different position in the front-row and also throw in well at the lineouts.”

Translating experience

The 23-year-old is hoping to take lessons learnt from the national camp and make use of them for the Bulls.

“I’ve learned a lot in the short time I’ve been with the Boks, and I’d like to apply it to the Bulls when I get the chance,” he said.

A massive challenge for South African sides in the United Rugby Championship is learning to adapt to adverse weather conditions up north and Saturday is going to be no different.

“Rain is forecast, which means a lot more kicking,” Wessels said. “The big challenge is to adapt to the weather conditions. We must ensure our execution is good and sort out our discipline.”