Stormers Prop Zachary Porthen to Debut for South Africa Against Japan

South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, has named Zachary Porthen in the starting lineup for their match against Japan at Wembley Stadium on October 28, 2023. The 21-year-old tighthead prop will make his international debut after a standout performance with the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, where he previously captained the Junior Springboks.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has chosen Porthen to bring fresh energy to the squad while surrounding him with seasoned veterans. He will pack down in the front row alongside hooker Malcolm Marx and fellow prop Ox Nche. This match marks the opening of the Autumn Nations Series for the world champions, who are keen to maintain their momentum following a thrilling 29-27 victory over Argentina at Twickenham earlier in October, which secured their second consecutive Rugby Championship title.

The Springboks have retained 16 players from that recent match, with several key figures returning to the fold. Notable inclusions are Kurt-Lee Arendse, Franco Mostert, and Lood de Jager, who missed the final rounds of the Rugby Championship. Arendse will take up a wing position, while Mostert will feature prominently in the back row alongside South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, and Jasper Wiese. De Jager will partner with RG Snyman in the lock position.

The Springboks are expected to adopt an attacking approach against Japan, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting at out-half and Cobus Reinach at scrum-half. The backline configuration includes Cheslin Kolbe, who has been moved to full-back, and a midfield pairing of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. This strategic setup suggests that the Springboks aim to utilize their speed and agility to exploit gaps in the Japanese defense.

Japan arrives in London after a narrow loss to Australia, finishing 19-15 in a tightly contested match. The team, under the guidance of coach Eddie Jones, will be looking to bounce back and present a formidable challenge to the Springboks.

Following the match against Japan, South Africa has a challenging schedule ahead, facing France in Paris, Italy in Turin, Ireland in Dublin, and Wales in Cardiff over the subsequent weeks. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the Springboks perform as they continue their preparations for future international competitions.

The full Springbok lineup for the match is as follows:

1. Ox Nche
2. Malcolm Marx
3. Zachary Porthen
4. RG Snyman
5. Lood de Jager
6. Siya Kolisi (captain)
7. Franco Mostert
8. Jasper Wiese
9. Cobus Reinach
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
12. Damian de Allende
13. Jesse Kriel
14. Cheslin Kolbe

Substitutes:
16. Johan Grobbelaar
17. Gerhard Steenekamp
18. Wilco Louw
19. Ruan Nortje
20. Andre Esterhuizen
21. Kwagga Smith
22. Grant Williams
23. Manie Libbok

As the Springboks look to solidify their status as rugby powerhouses, Porthen’s debut will be closely watched, adding an exciting narrative to this vital fixture.