Bekhuis has seemingly been destined for bigger things ever since he pulled on a jersey.
Three years in the Southland Boys High School First XV was followed by a year in the New Zealand under-19 side, a year in the New Zealand Colts team, and three seasons with the Southland Stags.
So it was no surprise after making the Highlanders wider training squad last year, he was selected for the Highlanders for 2009, eager to learn the ins and outs of professional rugby.
But with injuries to fellow locks Tom Donnelly and Ross Kennedy - both experienced players - the second row ranks have thinned considerably, with the onus now going on Bekhuis to step up.
"I'm after a starting spot and to make the most of the opportunities that come to me. The Super 14 is a massive step up in physicality and in fitness," he said.
Bekhuis said he was pleased with his own performance in the first two warm-up games, though the side had lost to both the Chiefs and the Crusaders.
"I was reasonably happy but there are always things to work on, like hitting the rucks and getting the right body position."
Bekhuis (22) said fitness-wise he was confident in handling the step up to Super 14, paying tribute to the side's trainers.
"I'm the fittest I've ever been and we've done plenty of ground work. The trainers thrash us but it's all good, as you know you have to be ready physically for the games."
Standing 2m tall and weighing in at 115kg, Bekhuis has the physical attributes to make an impact. He has put on about 4kg in the past couple of months, through training and wants to stay at that weight for the Super 14 season.
His father Richard Bekhuis - the name has Dutch origins - played more than 20 games for Southland, also in the second row, so Bekhuis junior was destined for the locking position.
His father though never had the opportunity to play rugby full-time, something Bekhuis is loving.
"You're pretty lucky if you get paid to do something that you love doing. The whole atmosphere down here, turning up in the morning and the being down here the whole day until 5pm, makes it like any other job."
Bekhuis is studying extramurally for a commerce degree through Massey University but says he is only "chipping" away at it, such are the demands of rugby.
Bekhuis will lock the scrum this afternoon against the Blues at Albany Stadium with Hayden Triggs, which is what is left in the Highlanders locking department.
Triggs has played much of his Super 14 rugby on the blindside flank but will have to show the way to Bekhuis.
With the first game in the competition against the Brumbies only eight days away, Highlanders coach Glenn Moore will be wanting his defence to be tight and hold on to the ball better.
A few aimless kicks had cost his side last week against the Crusaders and the Blues, always a good counter-attacking team, will be just as threatening if they receive the ball in open territory.
Moore has said the side was light by one game in pre-season last year with only two games, so he will want to make the most of today's game.
He has named what appears to be near a full-strength starting side and, although changes are bound to happen, the starting XV will get a good run.
The Blues have been struck down with injuries, with former All Black winger Rudi Wulf breaking his wrist last week in a win over the Reds, while All Black lock Ali Williams has a back injury and is out for a minimum of two weeks.
Blues vs Highlanders
North Harbour, 2pm, today
Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Johnny Leota, Kenny Lynn, Daniel Bowden, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, George Naoupu, Tim Boys, Sean Romans, Mathew Berquist, Jayden Hayward, Brett Mather, Chris King.
Blues: Paul Williams, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowery, Justin Collins, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Charlie Faumuina, Jay Williams, Dean Budd, Onosai'i Auva'a, Chris Smylie, Grayson Hart, Jimmy Gopperth, Michael Hobbs, Jamie Helleur, Rene Ranger.
