The next 'Os' on display at Loftus
SUPERFAN SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT: It is the ultimate commendation, to be compared to the legend Os du Randt.
Du Randt, a World Cup winner in 1995 and 2007, is regarded as arguably South Africa’s best-ever prop.
One man who has an intimate knowledge of Du Randt’s abilities is the 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White.
White is also the man that feels he has found the next ‘Os’.
Speaking ahead of the SuperFan Saturday encounter with the Sharks, the Bulls’ Director of Rugby, White, paid the ultimate compliment to teenager Jan-Hendrick Wessels.
“I want to tell you, that guy reminds me of Os du Randt,”White told a virtual media briefing, adding: “He will be a Springbok, there is no doubt in my mind.”
He said the key is to ensure they bring the young prop, Wessels, through the right way.
“There is an opportunity to play with some Springboks,” White said of Saturday’s SuperFan day.
“There is an opportunity in a rolling subs environment where he can learn about senior rugby.
“There is also an Under-21 tournament that starts next week and I am sure he will be part of that as well.
“This gives me a chance to develop him in an environment where he can play with some of the Springboks and after the pre-season where he worked with them.”
Wessels was enjoying a sojourn with ASM Clermont Auvergne in France, before White lured him back to SA and Pretoria.
The 193cm, 120kg turned 19 earlier this year and big things are expected of him.
A product of Grey College, his highlight reels went viral on YouTube in 2019, where his massive carries and scrummaging made him a standout on in the SA schoolboy circuit.
As a result, he was scouted by Clermont and moved to France.
Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux included the prop in a 45-strong SA Rugby academy squad announced back in March.
While he played both lock and loosehead at schools level, his future is seen to be solely in the front row.
@rugby365com
