Springboks utility front row Wessels expects tough Italy battle

UPDATED Jun 30, 2025, 08:36 PM

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World champions South Africa will not underestimate Italy when the teams meet in Pretoria on Saturday in the first of two tests this month, but utility front row Jan-Hendrik Wessels says they are targeting dominance in the scrums.

Bulls forward Wessels, 24, who can play either prop or hooker, scored a try in Saturday's 54-7 romp past the Barbarians in Cape Town, but expects a totally different challenge at Loftus Versfeld.

"I faced Zebre Parma and Benetton in the United Rugby Championship, and we did our homework on those players then, so we know the emphasis they place on the scrums," Wessels told reporters on Monday.

"In fact, Zebre Parma had one of their best seasons this year and beat a few big teams in the competition, so we are expecting a proper battle against them (Italy).

"We want to go into this match setting a high standard for ourselves. We have massive respect for all the teams we face, and knowing how strong their scrums are, we really want to make a big impact in the set pieces."

Wessels is one of several of the Springboks players who can feature in multiple positions, with centre Andre Esterhuizen playing at flank against the Barbarians. Both know that versatility gives them a better chance of playing.

"I don't have a preference (for prop or hooker)," he said. "I just want to contribute wherever I am picked. Playing both positions certainly helped me in getting game time."

South Africa host Italy for a second test in Gqeberha on July 12, and then face Georgia a week later in Nelspruit before starting the defence of their Rugby Championship title in August. REUTERS

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