The Leopards coach, Matt Proudfoot, is impressed by the Pumas tighthead prop, Sampie Swiegers, who has been invited to the latest Springbok alignment camp.

Swiegers, who was the North West University Eagles captain in the Varsity Cup up until last year, is starting to make a name for himself at a rapid pace and he played in Saturday’s 71-10 win against the Leopards.

Proudfoot himself played tighthead prop for Scotland, and he said Swiegers has a very bright future.

“He is excellent and a quality tighthead,” said Proudfoot.

“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 asssistant coach) after the game and tough him what our plans were.

“I thought he was excellent and he is a superb player.

“That just shows the quality of the players that is in Potch and it's my job to get them to the next level.”

Meanwhile, on Friday at 14:30 the Suzuki Griquas will host the Pumas in Kimberley, while on Saturday at 15:00 the Leopards will tackle the Boland Cavaliers in Leeudoringstad.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport