Tuks flyhalf loves the thrill of being physically challenged

Being calm and collected when playing as a flyhalf for Tuks in the Varsity Shield tournament is second nature to Jean-Pierre Wentzel.

It should be no surprise that he is making the right decisions at vital times. In rugby's off-season, Wentzel is a keen Motocross MX racer. This sport is known for its physical and mental challenges.

It requires physical strength and mental toughness. Technical skills and risk assessment abilities are essential, as a mere moment of lapsed concentration could lead to injury. That does not faze Wentzel. The thrill of going metres high into the air on the bike gets his adrenaline pumping. He is, however, wary of doing so when playing rugby because he does not want to risk losing out on winning on the rugby field.

Wentzel has no qualms about saying that the demands of motocross racing are much higher than those of rugby.

"You can be 100 per cent rugby fit, but it does not mean anything when it comes to motocross racing. There is a real chance that you will be wasted after one lap. Motocross racing takes its toll on your lower back, knees and kidneys."

At the moment, Wentzel's bike is collecting more dust than he would have wanted, but that is how it has got to be. All that matters to him and his teammates is to restore Tuks's rugby pride. It means they have to win the Varsity Shield. The fact that Tuks have won their first three games quite easily has not led to a sense of being overconfident.

"We are not taking anything for granted. We are utterly focused on what needs to be done one game at a time. This I can promise if there is an opportunity to win big, we will certainly go for it."

Wentzel has been playing flyhalf from when he can remember. There were times he played as an inside centre, but it is as a flyhalf that he feels he can impact the game's outcome.

He considers his best qualities as a flyhalf, being tactically savvy.

"I have learned a lot when playing for Tuks Young Guns being coached by Kennedy Tsimba. I can't tell you how often the coach sat down with me to discuss the dos and don'ts that come with playing as a flyhalf. It was always only suggestions. It was important to him that I should play my own game. I owe him so much."

Another of Wentzel's top qualities as a flyhalf is setting up scoring opportunities.

"Our wingers are speedy. My role is to get them into play. It helps to be able to read the game. I can also dictate play based on my tactical kicking abilities if required. Being consistent as a placekicker is essential to me."

As to role models, Wentzel point to his mom, Thelma, stepdad, and Schalk.

"Throughout my rugby playing career, I have never been the first choice flyhalf. There were times that I considered quitting. My mom is the one who always encourages me not to forego my dreams."

Tuks is playing Varsity College on Friday at home. Kickoff is at 5pm.