Bulls front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels is the only other specialist hooker picked alongside Malcolm Marx for the Springboks’ November tour.
Wessels was named in the 37-man squad for the Nations Championship. Marco van Staden will act as an emergency third choice at hooker, IOL Sport reported.
This means the job of covering for Marx falls mainly on Wessels. The Boks have deep stocks of quality props, but hooker is a thinner position.
Bongi Mbonambi has only just returned to action for the Stormers after a long injury layoff. Deon Fourie is near the end of his career, according to IOL Sport.
Johan Grobbelaar has also not built on his strong form from last year’s November tour. That has left Marx, 32, carrying a heavy load in the Bok jersey.
Marx played more than 200 minutes across four Test matches against the All Blacks. He is valued both for his set-piece work and his skill at winning the ball on the ground.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has spoken highly of Wessels in the past. He once compared the former Grey College player’s mobility to Springbok greats Os du Randt and Ollie le Roux.
Wessels made his Test debut against Portugal in 2024. Since then, the Boks have mostly used him as a loosehead prop, with a few second-half spells at hooker.
He came through SA Rugby’s Early Player Development system. He then learned his trade under Jake White at the Bulls.
Because he can play both hooker and prop, Wessels gives the Boks extra cover on the bench. With him among the replacements, the team carries a hooker and an extra prop at once.
Moving from prop to hooker at Test level is hard. IOL Sport reported that scrumming and carrying the ball come easily to him. Throwing accurately to his jumpers in the lineout is the main area he still needs to improve.
Erasmus has asked for patience with Wessels as he grows into the hooker role.
Wessels trains every day against experienced props such as Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit and Ox Nché. IOL Sport said this has helped his set-piece learning.
The tour is seen as a chance for him to show he can be the long-term successor to Marx ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Springboks will play Tests against Italy, France and Ireland in the Nations Championship. The tour ends with the Finals Weekend in London.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.