Porthen: New-look Springbok team ‘hungrier than you think’
Nine Springboks will line up against Australia after not playing in any of the four Tests against New Zealand.
Zach Porthen, a young prop, revealed that the new-look Springbok team heading to Perth for the one-off Test against the Wallabies is even more motivated than initially thought. The 13 new players who have been added to the match-day 23 squad are determined to prove themselves on the grandest stage of rugby. Only nine players from the previous Test, which South Africa won 43-28, remain in the lineup. The bench is strong, with only two-cap player Quan Horn in the non-regular category.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named André Esterhuizen as the new team captain, demonstrating his faith in the 23-year-old centre. Porthen expressed happiness for Esterhuizen, noting that he has been actively involved in the development of the team under new coach JP Pietersen. The veteran players around him, such as Eben Etzebeth and Handré Pollard, will provide him with the necessary support and guidance.
Porthen emphasized the importance of leadership within the team, stating that having experienced players like Eben and Franco Mostert around André Esterhuizen will help him in his captaincy role. The Springboks are eager to regain their dominance in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, after a 30-year gap since the last series. With so much at stake, including the pride of the nation, the players are hungry for victory and the opportunity to make their mark on South African rugby history.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
