Bok prop crisis is growing fast

The Test debut of South Africa's youngest prop should be celebrated and it was when Zachary Porthen started at tighthead for the Springboks against Japan last weekend.

- with Nicholas Zaal

But the 21-year-old's appearance also highlighted the Springbok injury dilemma at numbers one and three.

Only six props are in the current squad, and three of them made their debuts this year.

If depth isn't restored by the end of the international season, the Boks could be scrambling in their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

South African props are currently an endangered species. Porthen might not have played much for the Stormers this season if not for the unavailability of senior players, admitted coach John Dobson.