Springbok no. 35 · Forward
Scraps Wessels
Johannes Jacobus Wessels · WP
3Tests
0Tries
0Tours
21Age at debut
Test career
1896
First test
30 Jul 1896, age 21 · Forward v Britain, Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth
Last test
29 Aug 1896, age 21 · Forward v Britain, Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley
Biography
Scraps Wessels was rated one of the finest forwards in the country in his day. Born in Boshof on 13 September 1874 and educated at SACS, he played for Western Province and won three caps against the 1896 British Isles side, appearing in the first three Tests.
Injury kept him out of the fourth Test, South Africa’s first win. He later moved to Transvaal and the Pirates club, and played for Transvaal against the 1903 British tourists. He died on 6 April 1929.
Test history
3 tests · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jul 1896 |  Britain | Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth | Forward | L 0–8 | WP |
| 22 Aug 1896 | Britain | Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg | Forward | L 8–17 | WP |
| 29 Aug 1896 | Britain | Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley | Forward | L 3–9 | WP |