Springbok prop Zachary Porthen is excited about the opportunity to face the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday. He said all the players in the squad are thrilled about representing the country in the green and gold once again. Porthen, a former Junior Bok captain, made 13 changes to the starting team, which will see him and fellow prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels pack down in the front row with hooker Johan Grobbelaar.
Porthen said that Test rugby is a significant challenge, and every player knows how much it means to themselves and the country. He added that the players have had time to get used to Australia without playing, but with changes in the lineup this week, many of the guys are hungrier than expected. The players want to get back on the field to prove themselves and show what this means to them.
When asked about the biggest lessons he has learned since being involved in the Springbok set-up and under the current group of coaches, Porthen said it has been a big step up. He finds it difficult to put his finger on one thing, but with each challenge, he adapts to something different. Porthen added that personally, if one takes what the coaches say on board, they just dive in and try to give their best.
The Springboks wrapped up their main training block of the week on Thursday in Terrigal, where they will be based during their 2027 Rugby World Cup training camp next year. They will make the journey to Perth for the match and have their traditional captains run at the Optus Stadium on Friday. The match kicks off at 11h45 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting team, which will see Porthen and fellow prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels pack down in the front row with hooker Johan Grobbelaar. Porthen said that each of the players in the squad is up for the challenge and that they are all excited about the opportunity to represent the country.
The match against the Wallabies is a significant challenge for the Springboks, and Porthen said that everyone who goes out on the field knows how much it means to themselves and the country. He added that this in itself is enough to get them up for any game.
The Springboks are looking to make a strong impression in the match, and Porthen said that the players are hungrier than expected. The match will be a great opportunity for the players to prove themselves and show what they are capable of.
Key points
- Springbok prop Zachary Porthen is excited about the opportunity to face the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday.
- The Springboks have made 13 changes to the starting team, which will see Porthen and fellow prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels pack down in the front row with hooker Johan Grobbelaar.
- Porthen said that each of the players in the squad is up for the challenge and that they are all excited about the opportunity to represent the country.
