Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani says Zachary Porthen reminds him of a former All Blacks prop.
It’s been a year to remember for the 21-year-old tighthead prop. The former Junior Boks captain has enjoyed a rapid rise – from UCT Ikeys standout to Stormers regular in the URC, and now set to make his Springbok debut against Japan at Wembley on Saturday.
“As a coach I was proud when he was called up for the Springboks and even more proud when he was announced to play,” Hlungwani told SportsBoom.co.za.
“You can’t ask for anything more. When a youngster like him is so keen to learn and improve, and gets recognised so early in his career, you just know he’ll do well for the Springboks.”
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Once questioned for his scrummaging at Junior Boks level, Porthen has since thrived under national scrum guru Daan Human and Hlungwani’s guidance in Cape Town.
“He’s lucky, he was gifted with a large rugby body,” said Hlungwani. “He’s a tall tighthead, actually reminds me of Carl Hayman.”
Hayman earned 46 Test caps for the All Blacks from 2001 to 2007, and represented the Highlanders, Newcastle and Toulon at club level.
“Zachary’s worked incredibly hard,” Hlungwani added. “He’s explosive, can pass off both hands, has a good tackle technique, and his scrumming has really improved.”
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Hlungwani credited the tough training environment at the Stormers for sharpening Porthen’s edge.
“At the Stormers, we scrum! When he first joined, he had to pack down against Sti Sithole, Ali Vermaak and now Nthuthuko Mchunu. Those battles sharpened him. He’s improved technically and physically and his all-round skill set is sharp.
“Zach will be the first to tell you, iron sharpens iron,” he added. “Training at the Stormers is intense. Nothing comes easy, and that’s the best environment for a young forward to learn.”
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Photo: Paul Harding/Gallo Images
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