Stormers’ Zachary Porthen Set for Springbok Debut After Rapid Rise
It has been a whirlwind rise for 21-year-old tighthead prop Zachary Porthen, who will make his first appearance in Springbok colours when South Africa face Japan at Wembley Stadium this weekend. His selection marks a swift ascent through the country’s rugby ranks – from Junior Springbok captain, to UCT Ikeys standout, to United Rugby Championship regular with the Stormers, and now a fully fledged international.
Stormers forwards coach, Rito Hlungwani, expressed immense pride at seeing one of his promising front-rowers elevated to the national side. “As a coach, I was incredibly proud when he was called up to the Springboks, and even more so when he was announced to make his debut,” Hlungwani told SportsBoom.co.za. “Zach is hungry to learn, hungry to work, and has been rewarded very early in his career. You have no doubt he’ll do well for the Springboks.”
Porthen’s scrummaging was once identified as an area requiring improvement during his time with the Junior Boks under Bafana Nhleko. However, after working with national scrum coach Daan Human and under Hlungwani’s guidance in Cape Town, the young prop has made remarkable progress.
“He was blessed with a massive rugby frame,” Hlungwani joked. “He’s a tall tighthead – reminds me a little of Carl Hayman. But it’s the work he’s put in that has made the difference. He’s explosive, he can pass off both hands, tackles well, and his scrummaging has gone to a new level.”
Hlungwani believes that the intensity of Stormers training has been vital in Porthen’s growth. “At the Stormers, we scrum,” he said. “When he arrived, he had to pack down against Sti Sithole, Ali Vermaak, and now Nthuthuko Mchunu. Those sessions sharpened him technically and physically. Training here is often harder than game day.”
Under Hlungwani and head coach John Dobson, the Stormers have forged one of the most reliable set-pieces in the URC, helping them secure their first championship title and creating an environment built for developing young forwards.
“Zach will tell you himself: iron sharpens iron. Nothing is given here. You earn every inch,” Hlungwani added. Despite the praise, he was quick to downplay his own role. “I won’t take credit. My job is to create the environment. The players do the hard graft – they’re the ones going home sore.”
As Porthen prepares for his first Test appearance, his journey stands as proof of the depth of South African rugby development and the power of perseverance. Should he rise to the occasion at Wembley, the Springboks may have unearthed yet another long-term front-row asset worthy of wearing the green and gold.
