Springboks rookie reveals ‘the next step’ after making ‘unreal’ international debut against Japan
Zachary Porthern (centre) sings the anthem ahead of the Springboks' clash with Japan and in action during the Test (inset).
New Springboks front-rower Zachary Porthen couldn’t hide his delight after making his international debut in the world champions’ emphatic 61-7 victory against Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Porthen described his Test bow as a “dream come true” and revealed that his main goal going forward is to do everything possible to remain part of the senior national set-up.
It was an auspicious occasion for the 21-year-old as he became the youngest Springboks prop to take the field at Test level during the professional era.
Porthen‘s career has come on in leaps and bounds during the past 12 months, and he revealed that he was still in awe on Saturday night about making his senior debut.
“It was honestly unreal,” said Porthen, who caught the eye with an excellent all-round performance in which he hit 13 rucks, made nine tackles, as well as a carry in his 48 minutes on the field.
‘A dream come true’
“It was a dream come true to be on the same field as all those guys (who I’ve looked up to). I could only dream of it before, and now it has come true. It’s crazy.
“This is what I’ve wanted to do my whole life, and it is certainly the highlight of my career so far. I’m grateful to be here, and I hope I can stay here. That’s the next step.”
Porthen only joined up with the Springboks squad at the start of last week and paid tribute to his more experienced team-mates in the group for keeping him at ease in the build-up to his debut against the Brave Blossoms.
“The rugby was quick, just as I thought it would be, but what gave me confidence was the guys around me,” he revealed.
“They prepped me well and kept reminding me through the week that if something goes wrong, it’s a team thing, and said ‘Zac, don’t worry, we’ve got your back’. That gave me confidence, and it was great.”
When asked what he thought of his performance, Porthen said: “I thought I did all right. I obviously have a lot to learn, but there are also things I can be proud of.
“That said, I’ll go back to the drawing board and learn. I’ve already spoken to coach Daan (Human – Springboks scrum coach), and he said we have a couple of things we have to get into.
‘I now know what to expect’
“The level of rugby was completely different, but it was nice that I got to this stage, and I feel I’ll be a little bit better next time because I now know what to expect.”
The former Springboks U20 skipper believes his experience in the clash against Japan will stand him in good stead during the rest of the Boks’ Autumn Nations Series campaign as they prepare to take on France in Paris on Saturday before they also go up against Italy in Turin (November 15), Ireland in Dublin (November 22), and Wales in Cardiff(November 29).
“Obviously, it was my first game and that in itself was like preparation for the rest of the tour,” added Porthen.
“That said, I’m going to take it one step, day, and training session at a time, and do exactly what the coaches expect from me. If Rassie (Erasmus – Bok head coach) says ‘Zac do this’, I’m going to do exactly that.”
Porthen said that although he was surprised to make his Springbok debut at such a young age, he was delighted about the privilege.
“I didn’t think it would come as quickly as it did,” said the young tighthead prop.
“I had a different plan for myself, and that was to become more established at the DHL Stormers. I thought this would happen over the course of maybe four or five years.
“But God had a different plan and now I’m here.”
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