Rassie Erasmus’ hands ‘unreal’ Springboks chance to lower level prop

springboks-boss-rassie-erasmus-and-pumas-prop-Sampie-Swiegers

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is making contingency plans for South Africa’s first match against Wales at Twickenham.

Erasmus’ first Test back as the head coach of the Springboks is outside of World Rugby’s international window meaning he will be without several of his stars.

The squad will be made up of locally based players and a handful of stars based in Japan. However, the URC final takes place on the same day as the clash at Twickenham, meaning that he could be without two sets of players if the Bulls and Stormers, or even the Lions, make the final.

Pumas prop scouted

The Springboks boss is leaving no stone unturned and has gone down the South African rugby ladder in search of front-row options in the case that he cannot select the Stormers or Bulls stars.

This has led to Pumas front-rower Sampie Swiegers earning an invitation to the latest Springboks alignment camp as Erasmus ramps up preparations for the international season.

Swiegers recently signed for the Pumas, a Currie Cup side, after captaining NWU Eagles to a Varsity Cup victory last year. The 25-year-old was the only player invited who does not have any URC or European rugby experience.

“It’s an incredible feeling and ofcourse a great privilege [to be involved with the Springboks],” Swiegers told South African newspaper Rapport. “It actually still feels unreal.”

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The second alignment camp was held virtually over concerns around the players’ availability for the Test against Wales, but Swiegers was still involved in the calls that featured many 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.”

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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.

Following the match against Wales, the Springboks will return to South Africa for a two-Test match series against Ireland.