Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has credited Stormers scrum guru Brok Harris for transforming Springbok debutant Zach Porthen into a world-class prospect.
Porthen’s surprise selection in Rassie Erasmus’ starting line-up to face Japan at Wembley on Saturday has been one of the talking points ahead of the Springboks’ end-of-year tour opener.
At just 21, the tighthead is set to become the youngest prop to debut for South Africa in the professional era – a remarkable rise considering he’s only played a handful of matches for the Stormers since breaking through late last season.
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Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett praised Erasmus’ experienced selection overall but said Porthen’s inclusion was both bold and fully deserved.
“I think obviously Zach Porthen is the big talking point,” Mallett said. “He’s been an outstanding rugby player, a captain for the [SA] U21s.
“Interestingly enough, scrummaging was not his strong point when he was an U21 player. He was a wonderful ball-carrier, had huge battle stats around the field – great carries, great tackle counts, good cleans – a great rugby player, just in general.”
Mallett also highlighted how Porthen has developed into a formidable scrummager under Harris’ guidance.
“I just want to put in a word of congratulations to Brok Harris, who’s doing the scrummaging for the Stormers,” said Mallett.
“He’s taken him from the beginning of the season when he joined the Stormers camp and has worked incredibly hard on getting his posture right. And he’s been outstanding in the first five games of the URC. He hasn’t gone backwards against some very good looseheads.”
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Porthen will pack down alongside veterans Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx in the Bok front row on Saturday.
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
