Former Junior Springbok skipper Zachary Porthen has taken the next big step in his career after being named in Rassie Erasmus’ 36-man Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour in November. The 22-year-old DHL Stormers prop, who has impressed in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, is the only uncapped player in the squad and one of several exciting young talents rewarded for strong domestic form.
Erasmus has assembled a squad mixing experience and fresh energy, with four players returning to the Test fold for the first time this season and ten others named on standby. Among the latter are Ulster’s Juarno Augustus, a former World Rugby U20 Championship standout, and Sebastian de Klerk of the Vodacom Bulls — both uncapped at senior level.
The world champions face a grueling five-match schedule, beginning against Japan at Wembley Stadium in London on 1 November, before traveling to France (8 November), Italy (15 November), Ireland (22 November), and Wales (29 November).
Porthen’s rise comes after a breakthrough season in Cape Town, where his composure and power at scrum time earned him a regular place in the Stormers’ matchday squad.
Also returning to the Test setup are flanker Ben-Jason Dixon, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and prop Gerhard Steenekamp, while Jean Kleyn, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe rejoin the squad following injury absences.
The group features 21 forwards and 15 backs, while the standby list includes seasoned campaigners such as Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, and Makazole Mapimpi.
Captain Siya Kolisi is also on the verge of a major milestone — sitting on 98 Test caps, he could reach the 100-Test mark during the tour, becoming only the ninth South African to do so.
Erasmus said he was pleased with the balance in the group and highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency over a demanding five-week schedule.
“It’s great to see someone like Zachary come through the system,” said Erasmus. “He’s worked hard, taken his opportunities, and shown that he belongs. We’re also excited to welcome back players from injury who add real quality and leadership.”
He added that the standby list allows flexibility and player management through a taxing tour.
“We’ve got five consecutive Tests, so we need to be smart with selection and rotation. The standby group gives us strong cover and options if we need to make changes along the way.”
Looking ahead to the challenge, Erasmus acknowledged the tough opposition and the importance of finishing the year strongly.
“France and Ireland are among the best in the world, while Japan, Italy, and Wales have all shown they can cause problems. Every match will test us in different ways, but that’s what we want — a chance to grow, to build rhythm, and to keep improving.”
Springbok Squad
Forwards:
Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Backs:
Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Standby Players:
Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Ulster), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sebastian de Klerk (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
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