Springbok Jan-Hendrik Wessels is tackling his new double role at loosehead prop and hooker for the Vodacom Bulls head on.

The 23-year-old power forward has earned three Test caps so far in his fledgling career since making his international debut for the Springboks against Portugal last July.

Two of those were starts at loosehead prop, while the third was as the reserve hooker.

And now he has been utilised in similar fashion by Jake White for the Bulls throughout the 2024-2025 campaign.

And yet despite alternating between loosehead prop and hooker, Wessels has been one of the most influential front rowers to date. In his 12th games (five starts and seven on the bench) so far this season, the Springbok has chalked up four tries, countless carries, but most importantly anchored the scrum expertly when required.

With the Bulls set to battle Edinburgh in a titanic Challenge Cup quarter-final this weekend, White and co would love nothing more than for Wessels to continue his role as a ‘super-sub’.

“There’s a side picked on the weekend and each individual has his job to do. I think where rugby is going at the moment, the eight guys on the bench are almost just as important as the guys starting,” the Springbok told reporters ahead of their playoff match.

“If the coaches select me there, it’s my responsibility to do my utmost best to give it to the team.

“So if it’s the one jersey or the 17, or the two jersey or the 16 jersey, it’s just for me to do my best and give it all to the team.

“At the moment I’m focusing on both positions so I don’t have a preference. It’s just for me to grow as a player.”

“I scrum in both positions in the week. I won’t say it’s a planned thing going into the weekend, but it’s always a possibility.

“From my side, I want to do everything I can through the week to be at my utmost prepared at both positions.”

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/bullish-springbok-unfazed-about-dual-role-on-big-stage/