Porthen Named in Springbok Starting XV vs Japan

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has named a largely settled, experienced side to open the November/Autumn internationals against Japan at London’s Wembley Stadium, retaining 16 players from the Rugby Championship winners. Former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen will make his Test debut at prop, becoming Springbok #953 and the youngest prop to debut in the professional era, scrummaging alongside Ox Nché and Malcolm Marx. RG Snyman will partner Lood de Jager in the second row while Siya Kolisi leads the loose trio with Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese; Kolisi is set for his 99th Test and Jesse Kriel is five points shy of 100. In the backs Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu will direct play, with Cheslin Kolbe shifted to fullback and Damian de Allende alongside Kriel in midfield. Erasmus defended selecting the rookie, saying Porthen’s Vodacom URC and Junior Springbok form — and the experience around him, including six squad members who play in Japan — will help him in a “sink-or-swim” environment against a quality Japan side.