Prop forward Porthen to make SA debut against Japan

Prop forward Porthen to make SA debut against Japan Janine2 Wed, 10/29/2025 - 12:00 CAPE TOWN - Zachary Porthen will make his South Africa debut against Japan at Wembley on Saturday after being named in the starting side by coach Rassie Erasmus.The 21-year-old tighthead prop, a former Junior Springbok captain, has been called into the side after impressing in a handful of games for the Cape Town-based Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.He will be surrounded by experienced players for world champions South Africa s opening Autumn Nations Series international, packing down alongside hooker with Malcolm Marx and fellow prop Ox Nche.Erasmus has retained 16 of the 23 involved in the Springboks 29-27 win over Argentina at Twickenham earlier in October that secured a second straight Rugby Championship title.World Cup winners Kurt-Lee Arendse, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager return after missing the final rounds of the Rugby Championship.Arendse is on the wing, with Mostert in a back row also featuring South Africa captain Siya Kolisi and Jasper Wiese. De Jager starts at lock alongside RG Snyman.Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, one of the breakout stars of the Rugby Championship, remains at fly-half, with Cobus Reinach at scrum-half.Cheslin Kolbe has been switched to full-back from his usual wing position, with Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel forming a midfield combination that indicates the Springboks will look to play a running game against Japan.Erasmus said of Porthen: He proved at United Rugby Championship level and with the Junior Springboks what he can do, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can offer in his first Test match. At this level, you have to sink or swim, so although it will be a challenging week for him to learn our structures, it will also be a very exciting week for him.

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