ZAC ATTACK

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus wysed it is sink or swim for rookie prop Zachary Porthen after naming the 21-year-old in the starting lineup for Saturday’s Test against Japan.

The Stormers frontrower will make history by becoming the youngest prop to debut for South Africa as Erasmus selected a matchday squad that contains 16 players that faced Argentina in their final Rugby Championship game earlier this month.

Of picking the youngster, who has been jitz for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, Erasmus said: “He proved at 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… ”

Erasmus made changes to his backline, with one positional switch, as Cheslin Kolbe moves to fullback for the injured Damian Willemse, while Kurt-Lee Arendse will make his return from injury on the right wing, with Ethan Hooker moved to left wing. Jesse Kriel also makes a return at outside centre.

Meanwhile, captain Siya Kolisi will play in his 99th Test match in a forward pack that sports four changes – Porthen included – as Franco Mostert starts at flank and Lood de Jager and RG Snyman combine in the second row.

The Boks’ Bomb Squad is also back after Erasmus sprung a surprise by selected Andre Esterhuizen at No.20. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok are the recognised backs on the bench. 

BOK Team v Japan: 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 (capt), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Zach Porthen, 2 Malcolm Mark, 1 Ox Nche Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant William, 23 Manie Libbok