Zachary Porthen, captain of the Junior Springboks, received some well wishes from Steven Kitshoff who was a member of the South Africa under-20 team that won the 2012 World Championship in Cape Town. Picture: Mark Ward
MARK WARD
Zachary Porthen, captain of the Junior Springboks, says his side is ready to make the nation proud.
The former Wynberg Boys’ High pupil and resident of the southern suburbs, was speaking at the capping ceremony ahead of their opening match in this year’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which will again be hosted in Cape Town from Saturday June 29 until Friday July 19.
The prop-forward who also captained the Baby Boks on their recent tour to Australia, is one of five players who were part of the Junior Springboks which won bronze at last year’s edition.
Winger Litelihle Bester, centre Jurenzo Julius, scrumhalf Asad Moos and lock JF van Heerden are the other experienced players in the side.
The Baby Boks kick-off their campaign on Saturday against Fiji at Cape Town Stadium, while they will also play Argentina at Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday July 4 and England at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday July 9 during their Pool C schedule matches.
“We owe it to South African, SA Rugby and our parents who have invested so much in us to get us here. Their belief in us fuels our passion.
“To my teammates, we have so much to be thankful for, let this be our checkered-flag moment,” he said.
Porthen believes the pressure will not only be on him but his entire team. “I know that there are players in the team who can also accept the leadership roles. Yes, I am the captain but it is never about me, we play for the badge therefore all the players are important.”
Meanwhile, defending champions France will start their campaign in the 2pm kick-off match in the Cape Town Stadium against Argentina. The main game will be the Baby All Blacks vs Wales.
Day 1 Fixtures
Cape Town Stadium:
Saturday June 29
2pm: France vs Spain
4.30pm: Ireland vs Italy
7pm: South Africa vs Fiji
Athlone Stadium:
2pm: England vs Argentina
4.30pm: Australia vs Georgia
7pm: Wales vs New Zealand