Rassie backs Porthen’s natural athleticism

Rassie Erasmus has thrown his weight behind uncapped Stormers tighthead Zachary Porthen, who’s already made a big impression on the Bok coach.

Porthen, a former Junior Springbok captain, will become the youngest prop to debut for South Africa in the professional era, with Erasmus confident the 21-year-old has the temperament to thrive on the big stage.

“I don’t know him that well personally but [scrum coach] Daan [Human] has worked with him a lot and he comes through our EPD [elite player development] structures,” said Erasmus. “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.”

TEAM: Kolbe at 15 for Boks, debutant starts

Erasmus has never been afraid to back youth, and he pointed to Canan Moodie’s breakout Test debut in 2022 as proof that raw talent can rise fast in the Bok system.

“We played Canan Moodie when he was 18 against Australia away from home, and he scored the match-winning try against Marika Koroibete after we’d lost the first Test,” said Erasmus. “A guy like Ethan [Hooker] is 22.”

JERRY: Japan will be psyched up

Porthen will pack down alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx in a powerful Bok front row, while Cheslin Kolbe will make a rare start at fullback – a selection Erasmus says balances continuity with creativity.

“I think he’s started two games at fullback. The last one I think was in 2022 in Ireland,” said Erasmus. “But obviously he’s moved to fullback for us in games and he’s played there a lot in the French Top 14.

WATCH: Rassie on Esterhuizen’s role

“We could’ve possibly moved Handré [Pollard] or Manie [Libbok] to 10 and shifted Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] to 15, but we felt we needed a little more continuity with Sacha finding his feet at Test match level against different opposition.

“With Kurt-Lee [Arendse] being back and Ethan playing well, we had the luxury of giving Cheslin a chance.”

KWAGGA: Boks need to be on form

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images