In a bold move that’s setting the rugby world abuzz, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has introduced a fresh face into the fray against Japan, with Zachary Porthen poised to make a historic debut. At just over 21 years old, Porthen will be the youngest prop to start in the professional era, a record previously held since 1994. This strategic selection is part of a broader plan to blend experience and youthful vigor as the Springboks gear up for the November series.
Porthen’s selection is not the only talking point; Erasmus has also re-engineered his Bomb Squad, opting for a 6-2 split on the bench, a tactic not seen since their bout against Italy earlier in the year. The inclusion of Andre Esterhuizen in the 20 jersey hints at a flexible role, potentially covering the back-row, showcasing Erasmus’s tactical fluidity.
"At this level, you have to sink or swim,"
Erasmus commented on Porthen’s upcoming debut. He highlighted the young prop's proven track record in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and with the Junior Springboks, expressing excitement and confidence in Porthen’s capabilities to handle the pressures of international rugby.
The match against Japan is not just a test for Porthen but a strategic opportunity for Erasmus to field players with Japanese league experience, including Malcolm Marx and a cohort of six others, enhancing the team's familiarity with the Japanese style of play. However, this familiarity is a double-edged sword, as Japan’s preparation might also benefit from their insights into these players’ strategies and playstyles.
Erasmus did not shy away from recognizing the challenge posed by Japan, noting their narrow loss to Australia and their historical upset over the Springboks in 2015. He stressed the need for sharpness in attack and defense to secure a win.
The Springboks lineup bristles with talent and strategic placements: Cheslin Kolbe shifts to full-back, joining forces with Ethan Hooker and Kurt-Lee Arendse. The reliable center pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende, along with the dynamic half-back duo of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach, are set to ignite the field.
Springboks 23 to take on Japan: Springboks: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok Date: Saturday, November 1 Venue:
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In a bold move that’s setting the rugby world abuzz, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has introduced a fresh face into the fray against Japan, with Zachary Porthen poised to make a historic debut. At just over 21 years old, Porthen will be the youngest prop to start in the professional era, a record previously held since 1994. This strategic selection is part of a broader plan to blend experience and youthful vigor as the Springboks gear up for the November series.
Porthen’s selection is not the only talking point; Erasmus has also re-engineered his Bomb Squad, opting for a 6-2 split on the bench, a tactic not seen since their bout against Italy earlier in the year. The inclusion of Andre Esterhuizen in the 20 jersey hints at a flexible role, potentially covering the back-row, showcasing Erasmus’s tactical fluidity.
"At this level, you have to sink or swim,"
Erasmus commented on Porthen’s upcoming debut. He highlighted the young prop's proven track record in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and with the Junior Springboks, expressing excitement and confidence in Porthen’s capabilities to handle the pressures of international rugby.
The match against Japan is not just a test for Porthen but a strategic opportunity for Erasmus to field players with Japanese league experience, including Malcolm Marx and a cohort of six others, enhancing the team's familiarity with the Japanese style of play. However, this familiarity is a double-edged sword, as Japan’s preparation might also benefit from their insights into these players’ strategies and playstyles.
Erasmus did not shy away from recognizing the challenge posed by Japan, noting their narrow loss to Australia and their historical upset over the Springboks in 2015. He stressed the need for sharpness in attack and defense to secure a win.
The Springboks lineup bristles with talent and strategic placements: Cheslin Kolbe shifts to full-back, joining forces with Ethan Hooker and Kurt-Lee Arendse. The reliable center pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende, along with the dynamic half-back duo of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach, are set to ignite the field.
Springboks 23 to take on Japan:
Springboks: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok
Date: Saturday, November 1
Venue: