His monumental debut headlines a settled match-23 named by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, who has opted to trust the core combinations that recently delivered the Rugby Championship title.

Erasmus’s selection features 16 players from the starting side that secured a dramatic 29-27 victory over Argentina earlier this month. This focus on continuity signals a clear intent to build immediate momentum on the End-of-Year tour using established, winning partnerships.

Kurt-Lee Arendse - Morgan Piek

The squad is further strengthened by the timely return of three experienced heavyweights to the starting XV. These are dynamic wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, ever-present utility forward Franco Mostert, and towering lock Lood de Jager. All three are back in the green and gold following recent injuries and personal absences. The replacement bench is reinforced by the return of prop Gerhard Steenekamp and hooker Johan Grobbelaar, adding crucial depth at the breakdown.

Porthen’s inclusion is historic-he becomes the youngest prop in the professional era to debut for the Springboks. He will line up in a formidable front row alongside veteran Malcolm Marx and the powerful Ox Nché. The tight-five engine room sees RG Snyman paired with the returning De Jager.

Captain Siya Kolisi leads from the side of the scrum, joining Mostert and the hard-running Jasper Wiese in the loose trio. In a tactical move on the bench, André Esterhuizen, known for his physicality, has been named as a back-up loose forward, giving the Boks a versatile power option that can cover both the back row and the backline.

Lood de Jager - Morgan Piek

The backline sees a positional shift, with electric Cheslin Kolbe moving from his regular wing role to wear the fullback jersey. Cobus Reinach and the exciting Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu form the half-back pairing, while the experienced, Japan-based duo of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel link up once more in the midfield. On the wings, Arendse and Ethan Hooker are primed to launch attacking raids.

Addressing the selection, Erasmus was upfront about the risk and reward in backing the young Porthen.

“He proved at United Rugby Championship level and with the Junior Springboks what he can do, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can offer in his first Test match. At this level, you have to sink or swim... we believe this is the right match to give him an opportunity.”

Franco Mostert - Getty

The coach was quick to dismiss any complacency regarding the challenge posed by Japan, now guided by the highly respected Eddie Jones.

“They beat us in 2015, and they showed what a quality outfit they are in the first half of our 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against them, so we are expecting them to come out guns blazing. They also lost by only four points against Australia last weekend, which is a testament to the improvement they have been making. We need to be sharp on attack and defence if we want to get the result.”

The Springboks will approach this match with the utmost respect as they aim to lay down a marker for the rest of their challenging European tour.

Springboks - 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok

Japan - TBA

Morgan Piek OFM Sport