South Africa's Springboks have named an exciting lineup for their match against Japan on November 1 at Wembley Stadium, featuring Cheslin Kolbe at fullback and a debut for prop Zachary Porthen. The team boasts 1,097 combined caps despite the outside the international window constraints. Coach Rassie Erasmus highlighted the squad's depth and the return of key players from injury.
The Springboks' depth is evident in the team selected to face Japan, totaling 1,097 caps even with 22-year-old tighthead prop Zachary Porthen's Test debut. Porthen, a former Junior Springbok captain who impressed with the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, joins an experienced front row alongside Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche. Erasmus praised his potential: “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.”
Cheslin Kolbe starts at fullback for the first time in three years, his second Test appearance in the No. 15 jersey, completing a back three with Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing—earning his 28th cap after injury—and Ethan Hooker on the other flank for his sixth cap. The halfback pairing reunites Cobus Reinach and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for continuity, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel form the midfield.
Siya Kolisi captains the side for his 99th Test, leading a pack that includes returning lock Lood de Jager after injury, alongside RG Snyman in the second row. Franco Mostert starts at flanker, with Jasper Wiese at No. 8. The bench offers versatility, officially a 6-2 split but adaptable, featuring players like André Esterhuizen and Kwagga Smith who can cover multiple positions.
Sixteen players from the 29-27 Rugby Championship-clinching win over Argentina three weeks ago feature, despite the match falling outside World Rugby's Test window, limiting availability. Damian Willemse sits out to recover from a hamstring strain ahead of the France game. Erasmus emphasized respect for Japan under coach Eddie Jones: “Japan are a quality team... they lost by only four points against Australia last weekend, which is a testament to the improvement they have been making.” The matchup sets the tone for the Boks' European tour.
Starting XV: 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 Nche. Reserves: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortjé, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.