Porthen to debut as Erasmus names experienced Springbok lineup for Japan Test

FORMER Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen will make his Springbok debut against Japan at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday as coach Rassie Erasmus named a largely settled matchday 23 for the opening match of the November Internationals.

Erasmus included 16 players who featured in the team’s 29-27 victory over Argentina earlier this month, which secured the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title for a second successive year.

Erasmus expects a tough challenge

Commenting on the challenge Japan posed, Erasmus said it would be a tough encounter, especially if one looks at the strides they have made in the last few years.

“They are a quality team, and they have a top coach in Eddie Jones, so we have no doubt they’ll throw everything at us,” said Erasmus.

“They beat us in 2015, and they showed what a quality outfit they are in the first half of our 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against them, so we are expecting them to come out guns blazing.

“They also lost by only four points against Australia last weekend, which is a testament to the improvement they have been making, so we need to be sharp on attack and defence if we want to get the result.

“Very little separates the top teams in the world, and if you are not on your game both mentally and physically on the day, anything can happen. So, we will treat them with the utmost respect, and we also know how important this match will be to set the tone for the rest of our tour.”

Experience returns as Erasmus backs balance

Three players return to the starting XV after time out due to injuries and family bereavement — Kurt-Lee Arendse, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager — while Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar are back among the replacements.

André Esterhuizen has been named on the bench as a back-up loose forward but could also cover the backline if needed.

Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and debutant Porthen form the front row, with RG Snyman and De Jager in the second row, and captain Siya Kolisi leading a loose trio alongside Mostert and Jasper Wiese.

In the backline, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will direct play at halfback, with Arendse and Ethan Hooker on the wings and Cheslin Kolbe shifting to fullback. Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel continue their established centre partnership.

Erasmus said several players’ experience in Japan would be useful: “Six players in the group are currently plying their trade in Japan, and we believe their experience of playing in that league and either with or against some of their players will be a bonus for us, but I’m sure Japan will also tap into their knowledge of those players as they prepare for the match.”

“It is also good to have a few players back in the mix after missing a few games due to various reasons, and one can sense their excitement to be back in the squad, so we felt this is the best team we could field against a quality Japan outfit, who will want to make a strong point against us.”

Erasmus on debutant Porthen

Of Porthen’s debut, Erasmus said: “He proved at 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.

“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 give him an opportunity 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.”

The match kicks off at 6.10pm (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Springboks (15-1): Cheslin Kolbe, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (captain), Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Zachary Porthen, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Replacements (16-23): Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, André Esterhuizen, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.