Rassie: 'We are excited to see what he can do at this level'
REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has never been afraid of throwing young players in at the deep end.
The selection of former Baby Bok skipper Zachary Porthen for the senior national team’s year-end tour is a case in point.
Erasmus, on Monday, named a 36-man squad for the five-Test trip that will see them take on Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales.
Porthen, who made his Stormers’ United Rugby Championship debut in May and is currently on tour with the team in Italy, is the only uncapped player in the 36-man squad, who will depart for London in different groups from their respective franchises and clubs on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
“We are excited about the makeup of this squad,” Erasmus said.
“Most of the players in the group have been with us throughout the season, while others are back from injury or have done the job for us before in the last few years.
“It’s also great to see a young player like Zachary, who has emerged through our junior structures, come through the ranks into the senior set-up.
“We are excited to see what he can do at this level.”
Erasmus also placed 10 players on standby, including uncapped Ulster and former World Rugby Under-20 Player of the Tournament Juarno Augustus.
Bulls back Sebastian de Klerk, who was part of an alignment camp earlier this year, has also been placed on standby.
#SquadAnnouncement: Double World Cup winner axed to Springboks’ standby list 👇#Springboks #SouthAfrica #RassieErasmus https://t.co/l5sRuTXtFg
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“With five tough matches lined up, we always planned to select a manageable squad,” the Bok coach said.
“We have a solid bunch of players on standby, some of whom have been with us during stages this season.
“There are also uncapped players such as Sebastian and Juarno, who have continued to impress us with their performances.
“With Neethling [Fouche, fractured arm] and Salmaan [Moerat, knee] currently in the process of returning from injury, it’s important for us that they get more game time for their URC franchises.
“That was the main reason for excluding them from the 36-man squad.
“Obviously, players not included on the standby list could also be called up should the need arise.”
