During the National Championship match against England at Ellis Park, dynamic Springboks player, tighthead Zach Potten, demonstrated power by overcoming the English defense.
Potten emphasized that the rotated Springboks squad possesses 'a greater thirst for victory than it seems,' preparing to face the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday. Coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the squad that played in the final match of the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' against the All Blacks in Baltimore, leaving many of his key players who played significant time in the intense four-match series on the bench.
For a player like Potten, who is starting at number 3 for the Boks this weekend for the first time, this match is also an opportunity to impress Erasmus and his staff ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. The fight for a spot in the deep Springboks squad will be very intense over the next year, so, as Potten noted, one must seize every opportunity.
On Wednesday, Potten dismissed concerns about an emotional slump following the triumphant series against the All Blacks. Although the team rested for two weeks after winning the 3-1 series against New Zealand, Potten made it clear that playing in the 'green and gold' colours provides all the necessary motivation for the series match.
Before the clash in Perth, Potten stated: 'This is test rugby, and everyone who steps onto the field knows what it means for each player and for the country. That thought alone is enough to elevate you in any game.' He continued: 'Yes, we had two weeks to get used to Australia, but many guys here, especially considering the large number of changes in the squad, are hungrier than you think. Even though we had time to rest, the guys want to get back on the field and show what this jersey means to them.'
The last twelve months have been a huge learning process for the young forward under the guidance of head coach Rassie Erasmus and scrum coach Duane Schumann. Potten, aged 22, was called up to the Boks squad during the European tour last November, after which he debuted against Japan. This year, he also participated in four substitute matches against England, Scotland, Argentina, and the All Blacks.
Although this young athlete still has much to learn as a tighthead, especially regarding the 'dark arts' of the scrum, he is a dynamic ball carrier who has made a significant impact in possession.
He admitted: 'It has been a big step forward. To be absolutely honest, I find it difficult to pinpoint one thing I learned from them.' Potten added that over the past year, he has experienced a lot, adapting to every training session and every match. He concluded: 'You understand after every day that every challenge is different, and you accept everything they say. You just throw yourself into it headfirst and try to give your absolute best.'
Due to his athleticism and mobility, he has become a notable prospect, and there are discussions about a potential position change to hooker—a shift Potten is open to, even if it is not currently planned. He stated: 'I have never seriously considered playing hooker. But if the coaches come to me and say, 'Zach, we need you to do this...', I will raise my hand. But I don't see that happening right now.'
