Stormers' Hlungwani backs 'mature' Zachary Porthen to thrive after Springboks call-up

Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani says Springboks bolter Zachary Porthen is battle-ready for the November tour, having cut his teeth against some of the “best looseheads” in the world.

Tighthead prop Porthen, a former Junior Springbok captain, was a surprise inclusion in the Boks’ 36-man squad announced on Monday for the end-of-year tour to Europe. The 21-year-old, who made his Stormers United Rugby Championship (URC) debut in May and is currently on tour with the team in Italy, is the only uncapped player in the group.

Hlungwani, however, said Porthen’s selection wasn’t a major surprise following his impressive start to the URC campaign. The young tighthead was drafted into the Stormers side because of injuries to Bok stars Frans Malherbe and Neethling Fouché, and he’s been a big part of the Cape side’s dominant scrum so far this season.

Hlungwani pointed out that Porthen’s path has been a tough one, forged through brutal Stormers scrum sessions over the years against the likes of retired loosehead Steven Kitshoff and veteran Ali Vermaak.

“I always talk about your Tuesday scrum sessions — it’s not a big surprise for us that he’s been called up,” Hlungwani told the media on Tuesday.

“You get Zach scrumming on a Tuesday against some of the best looseheads around the world. He’s scrummed against Kitsie already, and one of the best attacking looseheads in the world in Ali Vermaak.

“He’s been training in the fire for almost two years, and it’s quite nice to see him developing into the player he’s become. Now he’s getting recognition from the Springboks.”

At 21, Porthen is still a baby in tighthead terms, with most props only peaking in their late 20s and early 30s. But his attitude and work ethic have seen him blossom at the Stormers, and Hlungwani is convinced the best is yet to come.

“We haven’t seen the best of him yet. He still has a lot to learn — to make a few mistakes, pick up that experience and improve,” said Hlungwani.

“We’re still going to see a lot of him. He’s still a young guy, but he’s put his hand up with how he runs around the field — he’s got a high work rate and great soft skills.

“He’s improved his scrumming a lot, working against experienced players at training. He’s someone who learns quickly, and we’re quite excited because we know he’s only at the beginning of what he can be.”

Meanwhile, Hlungwani hinted that the Stormers’ Springboks will be involved in this weekend’s final URC overseas tour match against Benetton in Italy. While the Bulls opted to rest their Boks last weekend, it looks like star backs Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will feature this week.

“We have different plans with our Springboks. We’ve made individual plans about who’s going to play this game and who’s going to be rested,” said Hlungwani. “It’s totally different to how other teams are approaching it.”

Bok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has also joined the squad and is likely to be involved this weekend after missing the previous matches against the Scarlets and Zebre. Reinach, who signed for the Stormers earlier this year after a long stint in France, has adapted well to his new environment.

“No team will ever complain when you add that kind of experience. It’s quite helpful for us to have him around, learning a few things that we do differently,” Hlungwani added. “A player of his calibre picks up information quickly.”