Former Springbok prop Robbi Kempson believes Zachary Porthen’s rare ability to pack down on both sides of the scrum could make him one of SA rugby’s most valuable long-term assets.

Porthen, 21, has already impressed with his strength and mobility at tighthead, but Kempson told News24 that the Stormers youngster should be developed as a genuine dual-threat prop.

“[Bok scrum coach] Daan [Human] has got a young, dynamic, very strong prop that can handle tighthead fairly comfortably, from what I’ve seen at this point in time,” Kempson explained.

“Why on earth wouldn’t you test drive him at loosehead as well? You’ve got an asset for the next 12 to 13 years who is able on both sides of the scrum but, more importantly, is primarily a tighthead, which is the toughest position in rugby.”

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Kempson said coaches across the country should be excited by the potential of a player who could comfortably switch roles during a match.

“It makes complete sense to me, and if I was any other coach below the Springboks I’d be going: ‘Thank you’.”

As someone who scrummed on both sides under Nick Mallett, Kempson believes the secret is mastering the skills early.

“I played [on both sides] at school, which is a bit younger than even Porthen. Imagine if [former Bok loosehead Steven] Kitshoff had learned how to play tighthead at his size … imagine if Thomas du Toit had started earlier.”

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Kempson says Porthen could be fully proficient across both roles within a few seasons.

“And if you’ve got that kind of asset, which can start a game at tighthead and finishes on the loosehead side with the dynamic carries, you’re in a win-win situation.”

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