Porthen Earns First Bok Call-Up as Erasmus Names Squad for Outgoing Tour

By: Byron Lukas

Former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen has earned his first senior Springbok selection as Rassie Erasmus announced a 36-man squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour in November.

The 21-year-old prop, who debuted for the DHL Stormers in May, is the only uncapped player in the squad that will face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales from 1–29 November.

Joining him are Ben-Jason Dixon, Johan Grobbelaar, and Gerhard Steenekamp, who make their first Springbok appearances of the season. The squad also welcomes back Jean Kleyn, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe, all returning from injury.

Erasmus named an additional 10 standby players, including Ulster No 8 Juarno Augustus and Vodacom Bulls wing Sebastian de Klerk, ensuring depth across positions for the five-Test tour.

Erasmus Backs Youth and Experience

“We are excited about the makeup of this squad,” Erasmus said via SA Rugby. “Most of the players have been with us throughout the season, while others are back from injury or have done the job for us before.”

On Porthen’s call-up, he added: “It’s great to see a young player like Zachary, who has emerged through our junior structures, step into the senior setup. We’re excited to see what he can do at this level.”

With five back-to-back Tests, Erasmus said a balance of continuity and player management was essential. “It’s a longer tour than usual, and we’re facing top-class opposition, but we are looking forward to it,” he said.

Kolisi Nears Historic Milestone

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is set to join an elite group of South African legends. He is expected to reach 100 Test caps during the tour, becoming only the ninth player in history to do so.

Kolisi currently stands on 98 caps after South Africa’s Rugby Championship win over Argentina.

Springbok Squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour

Forwards:
Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.

Backs:
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.

Standby Players:
Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouche, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka, Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi.