The 23-year-old Wessels added that achieving this milestone in front of his family would make the occasion even more special.

Wessels – who will start at prop in an exciting front row with Thomas du Toit and Johan Grobbelaar – is one of seven uncapped players named in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ matchday squad, and the Vodacom Bulls front ranker described his selection as a “dream come true”.

“I’ve aspired to be a Springbok since I was a young boy, so this is massive opportunity and a dream come true,” said Wessels, who is equally adept at prop and hooker.

“It’s special to make one’s Springbok debut no matter where you play, but it doesn’t get any better than being able to do so in Bloemfontein in front of my family. When I was growing up, we were all glued to the television when the Boks played, and the team has always inspired me.”

Wessels admitted that the step-up from provincial rugby to international level was big, but he was raring to go for the challenge ahead in what will mark the first Test between South Africa and Portugal.

“Obviously it gets tougher stepping into the Springbok set-up,” said Wessels. “The defensive structures, attack, and set-up as a whole is different to what I’m used to, but I want to develop as a player and learn as much as I can.

“Playing with and scrummaging against players like Thomas du Toit, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch at training and the other front rowers is a fantastic experience, and what makes this environment so special is that everyone wants one another to do well.”

Wessels – who matriculated at Grey College, the same school as Andre-Hugo Venter, who could make his Bok debut off the bench on Saturday – said the prospect of donning the green and gold with his long-time friend and fellow front ranker is an experience he was delighted about.

“We started playing together 10 years ago at school level,” he said. “We played in the Under-13 and Under-18 Craven Weeks, as well as the U16 Grant Khomo Week before moving on the Junior Springboks, so it will also be memorable to make our debuts together.”

Lukhanyo Am is delighted to be back in the Bok team.

Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am was equally thrilled about returning to the field in what will mark his first start of the season – and his first appearance for the Boks in almost a year – and said he hoped to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“It’s been an up-and-down 24 months with injuries, so I’m very excited about the opportunity to play,” said Am.

“I was thrilled to be called up to the team and to have the chance to work with the coaching staff. Tony (Brown, Springbok backline coach) has been trying to evolve our game and I believe we are on the right track, although we are still trying to master our new way of playing, but the more we try to action it on the field the better things will click in that regard.”

The 35-Test veteran was delighted to see a few young players receive opportunities to make their mark on the international stage: “It’s great that there’s some new blood coming through, and they bring a fresh energy to the team.

“This will be a great occasion for them as individuals and for the team, and while there may be some nerves, I’m sure they’ll get past that and focus on the task at hand. We have a common goal as a team and we know that it’s going to be a massive challenge against Portugal, but it will be the same for us.”

Am added: “It’s going to be a big occasion for Portugal to face the world champions on home ground, but they are a quality team that beat Fiji in the World Cup, and they’ll give everything, so we are looking forward to the challenge.”

The Springboks have Thursday off to rest and recover for the match and will wrap up their preparations on Friday with their traditional captains run. The Test kicks off at 17h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.