Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus and Pumas prop Sampie Swiegers.
Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks, is preparing backup plans for South Africa’s opening game at Twickenham against Wales.
Since Erasmus’ debut Test as the Springboks’ head coach falls outside of World Rugby’s international window, a number of his stars will be absent.
The team will include of local players as well as a few Japanese-based stars. But if the Bulls, Stormers, or the Lions go to the final, he might be without two sets of players because the URC final is scheduled for the same day as the match at Twickenham.
Pumas prop scouted
In the unlikely event that he is unable to select the Stormers or Bulls stars, the Springboks coach is doing all possible to secure front-row options by descending the South African rugby ladder.
As Erasmus intensifies preparations for the international season, this has resulted in an invitation for Pumas front-rower Sampie Swiegers to attend the most recent Springboks alignment camp.
Swiegers, who led the NWU Eagles to a Varsity Cup title the previous year, just signed with the Pumas, a Currie Cup team. The only player invited who has never played rugby in Europe or the URC is the 25-year-old.
Swiegers told the South African publication Rapport, “It’s a fantastic feeling and of course a great privilege [to be engaged with the Springboks].” “It still seems surreal to me,”
Despite doubts about the players’ availability for the Test against Wales, which took place virtually during the second alignment camp, Swiegers was nonetheless involved in the calls that included several of the double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks.
“All those players are my heroes,” he added.
“I’m going to enjoy every moment, take in as much as I can, and learn where I can.”
“I see this invitation as a step in the right direction. I believe with constant work, I will one day get my chance.”
Another surprise inclusion
Swiegers is not the first surprising call-up that Erasmus has made with Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe attending the first alignment camp.
Van der Merwe was the only Cheetahs player invited to the first Bok gathering and has since signed a deal to join Welsh outfit Scarlets next season.
