Rassie Erasmus calls up Sampie Swiegers to Springbok Alignment camp. Image: BackpagePix
Ex-Varsity Cup star gets shock Springbok nod!
Rassie Erasmus is known for some left-field calls that have often worked out for the Springboks and he seems to be on top something again.
Rassie Erasmus calls up Sampie Swiegers to Springbok Alignment camp. Image: BackpagePix
The Springboks are set to ramp up their preparations for their 2024 international rugby season next week.
This will happen through a second Springbok alignment camp, which is set to take place virtually.
These alignment camps are designed for the Springbok squad bring across their ideas and strategies to the players before the season. This is also an opportunity for the national regime to meet some new faces and see if they’re indeed suitable for the type of rugby and tactics the team will look to play.
In the first alignment camp, the Springboks gathered in Cape Town for an in-person camp. This had the bulk of the 2019 and 2023 World Cup winning stars. There were, of course some exclusions that the public couldn’t help but notice. Some of the players missing were Hacjivah Dayimani, Warrick Gelant, Joseph Dweba and Deon Fourie of the Stormers. While on the side of the Sharks, a guy like Aphelele Fassi could’ve felt aggrieved to miss out as well.
Swiegers earns surprise Springbok alignment call
But what seems to be making the headlines this time around is a shock inclusion. This being of ex-NWU Pukke captain Sampie Swiegers. The 25-year-old tighthead prop led his university to the title and earned the reputation of scrummaging machine. His exploits on the varsity scene quickly earned him an opportunity to sign for the Pumas.
Swiegers has now started his journey with the Pumas in the SA Cup and could be inline for a Springbok debut. This could come even before his Currie Cup bow. His inclusion is thought to be inline with the projected shortage of tightwad props for the game against Wales in June. The game taking place at Twickenham on the 22nd falls outside the international window.
This means the Springboks will be without players who play in the UK, Ireland and France. Furthermore, it is the same day as the United Rugby Championship final, which could still feature both the Bulls and Stormers.
Could he make his Test debut before Currie Cup bow for Pumas?
That could then afford Swiegers, the opportunity to make an audacious Springbok debut before a proper franchise bow!
