Zachary Porthen is set to become the youngest prop to debut for the Springboks in the professional era after being named in the side to face Japan.<\/p>\n
The tighthead has impressed for the Stormers this season and has duly been rewarded with his first cap for South Africa this weekend.<\/p>\n
Porthen, at 21 years, six months and 28 days, will become the youngest prop debutant since Ollie le Roux in 1994, who was 21 years and 25 days.<\/p>\n
He joins two experienced players in the front-row with Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx packing down alongside him at Wembley Stadium.<\/p>\n
Marx is one of seven Japan-based players in the starting XV with Erasmus<\/a> using this clash to give them some game time ahead of sterner challenges for the Springboks<\/a> in the November series.<\/p>\n Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager are the other individuals in the starting line-up who currently ply their trade in Asia, while two more \u2013 Kwagga Smith and Manie Libbok \u2013 are on the bench, but there is no place for Pieter-Steph du Toit.<\/p>\n \u2018Sink or swim\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cSix (Editor\u2019s note: seven) players in the group are currently plying their trade in Japan<\/a>, 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\u2019m sure Japan will also tap into their knowledge of those players as they prepare for the match,\u201d Erasmus said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n On Porthen, Erasmus said: \u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n