Porthen’s inclusion a glimpse of the future Bok scrum
SPOTLIGHT: Zachery Porthen’s inclusion in the Springbok touring squad paints a picture of the future Springbok scrum as several veterans are nearing the twilight of their careers.
He is also on course to become the first Wynberg Old Boy to represent the Boks since Sikhumbuszo Notshe did so in 2018.
The 21-year-old, who has risen through every level of junior rugby in South Africa, is the only uncapped player who was included in the Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour that kicks off in London on November 1 against Japan.
The former Junior Springbok captain could make his mark at international level as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus starts building his squad for the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa is a fertile land when it comes to the production of the players who wear No.3 on their backs, and the depth of tightheads available to the Springboks has been a big part of the country’s success over the past decade or so.
But looking ahead at the next World Cup in two years, there is a big gap at tight head. The injured Frans Malherbe, if he makes a return at Bok level, will be 36. Vincent Koch will be 37.
Wilco Louw is often seen as an impact player and has been criticised by some as slow at the breakdown and around the pitch although there is no denying the mammoth prop will be part of the Springbok squad heading into 2027.
Thomas du Toit has yet to set the world alight, but could be considered at 32 years with some experience.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s career is at a crossroads with the 26-year-old Springbok facing a possible four-year ban for what appears to be a case of medical mismanagement.
Porthen will form part of a new generation of powerful scrummagers who will carry the torch and uphold the legacy of the Springbok scrum.
If his trajectory so far is anything to go by, this European tour could be the start of something special.
The former Head Prefect matriculated from Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town in 2022.
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The tighthead was included in the Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour, marking a meteoric rise through the ranks, having captained the Wynberg Boys’ first team three years ago.
He made his debut for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in May this year after featuring in the Varsity Cup for UCT.
He captained the Western Province Craven Week team and later the SA Schools side before making his Currie Cup debut in 2024. His WP side also won the SA Rugby Under-21 Cup the same year.
The Springboks will face Japan in the first of five Tests on consecutive Saturdays at Wembley Stadium in London on November 1, before lining up against France at Stade de France in Paris (November 8), Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin (November 15), Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (November 22), and Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (November 29).
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