Adnaan Mohamed
Zachary Porthen will wade straight into the Test rugby surf this weekend and there’s no lifeguard on duty.
The 21-year-old former Junior Springbok captain is set to become the youngest prop of the professional era to debut for South Africa when the Springboks face Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has named a largely settled side for the November International opener, sticking with 16 players from the team that edged Argentina 29–27 to clinch the Rugby Championship title.
“He proved at Vodacom URC level and with the Junior Springboks what he can do,” said Erasmus.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what he offers in his first Test. At this level, you have to sink or swim.”
Porthen joins Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx in a heavyweight front row, with Lood de Jager and RG Snyman locking the scrum. Siya Kolisi leads a loose trio alongside Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, De Jager, and Mostert return after time out, while Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar bolster the bench.
The backline sees Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, Arendse and Ethan Hooker on the wings, and Cheslin Kolbe shifting to fullback.
Erasmus highlighted the value of experience within the squad:
“It’s great to have players back. You can feel their hunger. This is the best team we could field against a quality Japan outfit who’ll want to make a strong statement.”
With six Japan-based Boks in the mix, Erasmus expects a tactical arm wrestle.
“Their experience in that league helps, but Japan will also know them well,” he said.
“They’re well-coached by Eddie Jones and won’t hold back.”
For Porthen, it’s a baptism in Bok green, a plunge into the roaring scrum where the brave either sinks or rise like foam.