Zachary Porthen’s remarkable rise from Stormers backup to Springbok starter

When Zachary Porthen makes his Springbok debut against Japan at Wembley on Saturday evening, it will be the biggest moment of his young career.

But it’s also a moment that has been a couple of years in the making — shaped by the world-class front rowers he’s worked with at the Stormers and Western Province over the past two seasons.

At just 21, Porthen will become the youngest tighthead prop to debut for the national team and has already learned from some of the best in the game. Training alongside Springbok stalwarts Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff and Neethling Fouché, and under the watchful eye of retired veteran Brok Harris, has given him an education few young props could dream of.

He has spent hours in the front-row trenches with those players at the Stormers’ Bellville training base — watching, listening, and applying what he’s learned every time he’s pulled on the Stormers or Province jersey.

Even before joining the Bok setup for the clash at Wembley Stadium (6.10pm kick-off), that environment — and especially the unforgiving training sessions — prepared him well for what’s to come. Now, as he steps into the world champions’ squad, it’s not as a completely untested youngster, but as a player who has earned his chance through hard work.

Porthen is currently the fourth-choice tighthead at the Stormers, behind Malherbe, Fouché, and Sazi Sandi. But when injuries and call-ups opened the door this year, he grabbed his opportunity. Playing big minutes in both the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the Currie Cup, he proved he could handle the physical and mental demands of top-level rugby.

During all of this, he was also a standout for the University of Cape Town as they claimed the Varsity Cup title about six months ago. He now becomes the 15th Springbok from the Mother City’s southern suburbs since readmission — and the second from Wynberg Boys’ High, after Sikhumbuzo Notshe in 2018.

What stands out most about Porthen is his work rate. The youngster isn’t just a set-piece player; he’s a prop who loves to stay busy. He chases kicks, hits breakdowns, and never shies away from the hard work that often goes unnoticed.

His energy, physicality, and sharp ball skills came to the fore in the Currie Cup and have added value to the Stormers pack — and it’s those same qualities that likely convinced head coach Rassie Erasmus to give him a shot in the Bok jersey.

Still, Porthen knows where he needs to grow. He’s said on numerous occasions that scrummaging is the part of his game he wants to keep improving. Now, under Bok scrum coach Daan Human — one of the best in the business — he’ll have every chance to do just that. Saturday’s match against Japan will be a good first test.

The Japanese scrum might not have the power of France or Ireland, but their technique and speed will make it a tough contest for a debutant. An open game will also suit Porthen’s other strengths.

Erasmus doesn’t hand out Test caps lightly. When he selects a young player, it’s because he sees something special — not just potential. Winger Ethan Hooker, who is currently thriving under pressure, is a prime example. Porthen has shown that he can handle the heat, learn quickly, and compete at a high level.

He’ll be thrown straight into the deep end this weekend, but if his performances for the Stormers are anything to go by, he’ll handle it just fine.

For South African rugby, that’s an exciting prospect.

The Boks’ success has always been built on strong scrums and reliable props. If Porthen continues to grow in this environment, he could well become part of the next generation of front-row power the Springboks are renowned for.