Rassie Erasmus explains little-known prop’s Springboks inclusion as he plans to give youth a ‘chance’

springboks-head-coach-Rassie-Erasmus-and-Sampie-Swiegers

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained the reasoning behind Sampie Swiegers’ involvement in the second alignment camp of 2024.

The Bok boss is preparing for his second stint as head coach following Jacques Nienaber’s departure to Leinster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

He will start his tenure in England when South Africa tackle Wales at Twickenham Stadium, a fixture outside of World Rugby’s official international window.

Springboks’ depth to be tested

The clash is also on the same day as the United Rugby Championship final, meaning that Erasmus could be without a host of players from the Premiership, Top 14 and non-South African URC teams.

In the case that two South African teams are in the final, his playing squad would be further depleted. This has led to the Springboks’ boss dipping deep into his depth chart and inviting Pumas prop and former Varsity Cup-winning captain Swiegers to his latest camp.

The timing of the fixture means that Erasmus could be without at least 12 props for the match against Wales.

“It is definitely not a crisis. It’s just the fact that three teams are in the running for the URC playoffs,” Erasmus explained to media in Potchefstroom on Thursday after receiving his honorary doctorate at the North-West University.

“This is where players from the Pumas and Griquas get involved. It is (potentially) only the Sharks’ players who will be available for that first test against Wales, which is outside of the regulation nine window.

“This means that we cannot draw Premiership players in, like Thomas du Toit is playing for Bath – we can’t draft him in.

“So it is just a logistics and regulations pothole that we have to miss, we just made sure that if all teams are not available (we are covered), but it looks like the Lions’ props will be available.”

He added: “But Sampie is already a player that Daan Human loves, he has got the shape that Daan likes – we are just making sure we have got cover for cover if the worst happens.”

Little-known Springboks alignment camp prop compared to Frans Malherbe

The 25-year-old may not be the only young player given an opportunity to impress in 2024, with Erasmus adding that the Springboks need to build experience for the 2027 World Cup.

“We are definitely going to give younger guys a chance this year. We must remember, in 2020 we did not play rugby due to Covid-19. We couldn’t play,” he added.

“So, we definitely need to start throwing in younger players.”

Rassie Erasmus provides update on Siya Kolisi’s Springboks captaincy

Ex-Springboks coach hails Sampie Swiegers

Swiegers has certainly captured the headlines after making a surprise appearance at the alignment camps with former Springboks’ forward coach Matt Proudfoot also commenting on his performance against his side, the Leopards.

“He is excellent and a quality tighthead,” Proudfoot told OFM after their clash with the Pumas in the SA Cup.

“He does his job and with maul setting defensively he was superb in the scrummaging.

“I thought we could put him under a bit of pressure and that was plan of ours. I spoke to Corné Steenkamp (Pumas assistant coach) after the game and tough him what our plans were. I thought he was excellent and he is a superb player.”