Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made contingency plans for South Africa's first match against Wales at Twickenham.
Erasmus' first test of his return as Springbok head coach will be played outside of World Rugby's international window and will be without several star players.
The team is made up of locally based players and a few star players based in Japan. However, the URC final will be played on the same day as the Twickenham clash, so he could be without two sets of players if the Bulls and Stormers or Lions reach the final.
Puma prop scouted
The Springbok manager has left no stone unturned as he descends the South African rugby ladder in search of a front-row option in case the Stormers or Bulls stars are not available.
This means Pumas front rower Sampie Swigers has earned an invitation to the latest Springbok training camp as coach Erasmus ramps up preparations for the international season.
Sweegers recently signed with Currie Cup team the Pumas after captaining the NWU Eagles and helping them win the Varsity Cup last year. The 25-year-old was the only player invited with no URC or European rugby experience.
“It's an incredible feeling and of course a great privilege.” [to be involved with the Springboks]” Svigers told the South African newspaper. rapport. “It actually still feels unreal.”
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The second training camp was held virtually due to concerns over whether the players would be able to take part in the test against Wales, but Svigers remains hopeful of a call-up that will feature many of the two-time Rugby World Cup winners Springboks. was participating.
“All those players are my heroes,” he added.
“I plan to enjoy every moment, absorb as much as I can and learn from where I can.”
“I see this invitation as a step in the right direction. I believe that with continued effort, the opportunity will come someday.”
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Another surprising inclusion
Svigers is not Erasmus' first surprise call-up, with Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe taking part in his first training camp.
Van der Merwe was the only Cheetahs player to be invited to the Boks' first meeting, and has since signed to join Welsh side Scarlets next season.
After the match against Wales, the Springboks will return to South Africa for a two-match Test match series against Ireland.
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