John Dobson admits the Stormers didn’t expect to see tighthead prop Zach Porthen scrumming down at loosehead for the Springboks.
The 21-year-old made his Test debut against Japan last month before featuring against Italy and Wales.
In Cardiff, Porthen was part of the 7-1 “Nuke Squad” that came on in the 50th minute. He replaced Bulls loosehead Gerhard Steenekamp and delivered a composed performance on the other side of the scrum.
On Thursday, Stormers coach John Dobson said the franchise remains fully committed to developing Porthen as a tighthead prop, but won’t stand in the Boks’ way if they see value in testing him on the other side of the scrum.
“Yeah, I think [scrum coach] Brok [Harris] is going to have a conversation with Daan [Human],” Dobson said. “We’ve only ever used Zach as a tighthead. That’s where we think something really special lies.
“We weren’t expecting [his loosehead cameo] at all. But if Daan feels there’s a possibility there and it’s in the national interest, then of course we’ll support it.”
MORE: Dobbo ‘expecting something special’
But Dobson emphasised that Porthen’s strengths extend far beyond set-piece dominance.
“He’s amazing around the field: his defence, his carrying, the way he kills breakdowns … he’s got a phenomenal all-round game,” he said.
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The post Stormers support Porthen ‘swinger’ experiment appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
John Dobson admits the Stormers didn’t expect to see tighthead prop Zach Porthen scrumming down at loosehead for the Springboks.
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