Prop Zach Porthen insists the rotated Springbok team are “hungrier than you think” as they prepare to face the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth this Sunday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the team who ran out in the final Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match against the All Blacks in Baltimore, resting many of his big guns who played a lot of minutes in the brutal four-Test series.
For a player such as Porthen, who gets a rare start in the Boks’ No 3 jersey this weekend, the match is also an opportunity to impress Erasmus and his staff ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The fight for places in the Springbok squad, which boasts enviable depth, is going to be hectic over the next year. So when you get a chance, you have to take it.
On Wednesday, Porthen brushed off any fears of an emotional hangover following their epic series win over the All Blacks. Despite enjoying a two-week breather since wrapping up their 3-1 series victory against New Zealand, Porthen made it clear that representing the green and gold provides all the motivation needed for a Test match.
“This is Test rugby, and everyone that goes out on the field knows it means a lot to each player and the country. That in itself is enough to get you up for any game,” Porthen said ahead of the Perth clash.
“Yes, we have had two weeks to get used to Australia, but a lot of the boys here, especially with so many changes in the lineup, are hungrier than you think. Although we had some time off, the guys are hungry to get back on the field and show what this jersey means to them.”
The past 12 months have represented a massive learning curve for the young front-rower under the tutelage of head coach Rassie Erasmus and scrum coach Daan Human.
Porthen, 22, was called up into the Bok set-up for their November tour of Europe last year, before making his debut against Japan. He also made four cameo appearances off the bench against England, Scotland, Argentina, and the All Blacks this year.
While the youngster still has a lot of maturing to do as a tighthead as far as the “dark arts” of the scrum are concerned, he is a dynamic ball-carrier who has made a big impact with ball in hand.
“It’s been a big step up. If I’m being entirely honest with you, it’s difficult to put my finger on one thing that I have learned from them,” he admitted.
“Over the course of the last year, I have been through so much, having to adapt to every single training session and every single match.
“You realise after every day that each challenge is different, and you take everything they say on board. You just dive in head first and try to give it your best.”
With his athleticism and mobility making him a standout prospect, there has been outside chatter regarding a potential positional transition to hooker—a shift Porthen remains open to, even if it is not currently on the cards.
“I have never really thought about playing hooker. But if the coaches come up to me and say, ‘Zach, we need you to do this…’, I’ll put my hand up. But I don’t see that happening right now.”
