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2h ago

Springboks Name Debutant Porthen as Kolbe Moves to Fullback for Wembley Test vs Japan

Erasmus casts the Wembley opener as a serious examination that will shape selections for the Paris showdown next week.

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Illinois , United States – 5 November 2016; The Ireland team face the New Zealand team for the performance of the ‘Haka’ before the International rugby match between Ireland and New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
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Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Scotland v Ireland - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain - February 9, 2025 Ireland's Caelan Doris celebrates with a trophy after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo

Overview

  • Former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen will start at tighthead prop on debut, as South Africa announce a largely settled matchday 23.
  • Cheslin Kolbe is selected at fullback, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Lood de Jager returning to the starting XV after recent absences.
  • Siya Kolisi is set for his 99th Test cap in Saturday’s tour opener at Wembley, with kick-off at 6:10 p.m. CAT (4:10 p.m. GMT).
  • Rassie Erasmus highlights the value of multiple Japan-based Springboks’ League One experience, while Eddie Jones outlines plans to blunt South Africa’s maul and aerial game.
  • The Wembley fixture begins a five-match European tour, with Erasmus signaling rotation and significant changes anticipated for France in Paris next week.