Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese heads into Saturday’s blockbuster Test against Ireland with a ringing endorsement from someone who knows him better than most.
Former Leicester Tigers teammate Harry Wells says the Bok powerhouse remains one of the most destructive forwards he has ever played with.
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Wells, the England lock who shared a changing room with Wiese during Leicester’s title-chasing seasons, didn’t hesitate when asked by Rugbypass whether the Springbok bruiser makes his all-time Tigers XV.
“He’s in my team because of his ball carrying ability and his tackling. He’s immensely destructive and effective,” Wells says. “The first time I met him was in the changing room before a game against Gloucester during that Covid period. He was starting at 8 for us. He just looked the part.”
That first impression turned into instant confirmation.
“The first time he carried the ball, it was straight from kick-off, he ran 30 metres right through the Gloucester defence. We were all just like, ‘Oh my God!’ We’d never seen this guy before. We’d never seen him play before. But we immediately knew that he was just special.”
With South Africa bracing for a full-throttle Ireland clash this weekend, Wiese’s value as a momentum-shifter has again taken centre stage. The Bok No 8 has long been labelled a one-dimensional bruiser, but Wells insists that analysis misses the point entirely.
“When someone has a super strength like that, that draws attention to him,” he says.
“So people are talking a lot about him in their prep, in their defence plan. So that creates space for other people. But his ability defensively is hugely dominant. He doesn’t take a backward step. Everything he does gets momentum or takes momentum away from the opposition.”
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With Ireland boasting one of the most cohesive and well-drilled forward packs in Test rugby, Wiese’s ability to dent defensive lines and absorb pressure will be crucial for the Springboks. His presence alone forces opponents to adjust their defensive shape, a trait Wells says unlocks opportunities for the players around him.
“He’s immensely destructive and effective,” Wells emphasises. “Everything he does gets momentum or takes momentum away from the opposition.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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