Former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen will become the youngest prop to debut for South Africa in the professional era when he make his debut against Japan on Saturday. However, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said he is confident the 21-year-old has the temperament to thrive on the big stage.
“He proved at the Vodacom 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."
“I don’t know him that well personally, but Daan has worked with him a lot, and he comes through our EPD structures. “What I’ve seen of him when he’s playing for the Stormers is that he’s a nice, natural athlete.”
“I haven’t coached him or worked with him a lot. I’ve maybe said a hundred words to him, but he understands why we’re starting him and who he’s starting with. He seems to be quite level-headed, obviously excited, but he will be nervous. That’s why there’s a team around him for him to have the best chance of performing.”
“Obviously, he has a lot to learn this week, but we have experienced players in the squad who have been helping and guiding him, and we believe this is the right match to allow him to prove what he can do."
“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.”
