Bulls star ‘nicknamed Os du Randt’ after Glasgow heroics

Man of the Match, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, deserved all the praise he received from his captain and coach following the Bulls’ emphatic win against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday.

He was even likened to double World Cup-winner Os du Randt by his teammates after his commanding performance.

While Glasgow had beaten the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship final at Loftus last year, it was the Bulls who came out on top this time, winning 26–19.

They dominated in the physical battles, forcing errors from Glasgow. In the end, it appeared to be a one-sided game, the Bulls leading 26–7 with just four minutes to play, before Glasgow scored two late tries to take the scoreline to a respectable 26–19.

Wessels shines against Glasgow

Utility forward Wessels was sensational. He made powerful carries and dominant tackles, once completing a covering tackle and holding the ball up to prevent a try.

Then, it almost defied belief when he placed a grubber kick perfectly to leave the Glasgow defence scrambling back.

“He’s just been nicknamed Os du Randt. I don’t know what the reason was, but his new nickname in the team is Os du Randt,” Bulls boss Jake White said after the game.

Perhaps it was because Wessels plays at loosehead prop like the Springbok legend did, though Wessels has been comfortable in other positions too.

“It was reminiscent of the days when I was lucky enough to coach Os,” White added. “He [Wessels] was a lock at school and then he was a prop at school, and he’s been a hooker. Then he’s gone and adapted into a prop again. It’s going to make our squad so much stronger.

“John Smit always used to say to me there’s no such thing as a bad kick, only a bad chase. So I think he’s taught that to Jan-Hendrik,” White smiled.

‘His back-to-back efforts were outstanding’

Like Du Randt, Wessels is also powerfully built, and was unyielding in attack and defence on the day. The coach especially praised the youngster’s consistency across both halves.

“I don’t single out any player but he epitomised for me how we can do back-to-back efforts because that is what he did today and his back-to-back efforts were outstanding.”

Bulls captain Ruan Nortje commended Wessels for taking his opportunity after first-choice loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp was injured.

“I think Jan filled his shoes tremendously,” Nortje said. “It’s awesome to know a guy like Jan can play hooker and prop. It’s a massive boost for us in our department.”