Westraadt, who previously represented the Pumas with distinction, answered an SOS call from head coach Jimmy Stonehouse to bolster the back-to-back SA Cup champions during the international tournament. He played for the Pumas from 2015 to 2021 before a brief stint with Enisei-STM in Russia and a spell with Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley.

Although Westraadt is currently plying his trade with the Griffons in Welkom, it’s his second stint with the Purple People Eaters, having made 68 appearances for the union between 2009 and 2014 before moving to Nelspruit.

Simon Westraadt during his previous spell at the Pumas. Photo: Gallo

The Pumas have been hit by an injury crisis at hooker, with Jan-Henning Campher and Gustav du Rand sidelined. It is also understood that Du Rand is getting married. Starting hooker Darnell Osuagwu is meanwhile set to join the Boland Cavaliers following the Toyota Challenge.

Westraadt told OFM Sport that he did not hesitate when Stonehouse came calling, although he first sought the blessing of Griffons coach Jacques Juries.

“It was quite a shock for me to get the call from coach Jimmy last Wednesday to ask if I could come and help them out,” said the Grey High School product from Gqeberha.

“They’ve had a couple of hookers injured, and Darnell is leaving for Boland after this competition, so they needed some cover. I told him I’d definitely be willing to do it, and coach Jacques released me for two of the three games.”

Westraadt, who can also slot in at loosehead prop, believes facing international opposition provides the perfect measuring stick.

Simon Westraadt may be 40 years old, but he is still one of the fittest and hardest-working front-rowers playing the game. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Playing against international teams is always a way to measure yourself. We’ve been told that quite a few of the Georgians we’re playing tomorrow featured against the Springboks in Nelspruit.

“We know they’re a physical, forward-dominant team, so it’s going to be a big challenge, but it’s one we’re definitely looking forward to.”

Westraadt echoed Stonehouse’s long-held belief that the Pumas have earned the right to test themselves on the international stage.

Black Lion captain Mikheil Babunashvili and Pumas captain Sampie Swiegers. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Coach Jimmy always says that the Pumas deserve to play on the international stage because they’ve proven themselves year in and year out by winning competitions and playing good rugby. This is our opportunity to show that the Pumas do deserve to be playing at this level.

“We don’t really know what to expect from a team like this. We’ve watched a few clips of their previous games, but we’re going in with our own game plan. We know our strengths, we know what we want to play to, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“What better way is there to showcase your talents than against international teams? We’re going to give it our all, stick to the plan, and do whatever needs to be done to make this camp a success.”

The captains – Vasco Baptista (Lusitanos of Portugal), Vlad Neculau (Romania A), Mikheil Babunashvili (Black Lion of Georgia), Neels Volschenk (Toyota Cheetahs), Derik Pretorius (Suzuki Griquas), and Sampie Swiegers (Pumas). Photo: Morgan Piek

Friday's clash between the Pumas and Black Lion at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 13:30.

Pumas – 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers (captain), 2 Darnell Osuagwu, 1 Kudzwai Dube

Replacements – 16 Simon Westraadt, 17 Zukisa Sali, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Miyelani Ngobeni, 20 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 21 Reagan Oranje, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Tino Swanepoel

Black Lion – 15 Luka Tsirekidze, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Demo Tapladze, 12 Tornike Kakhoidze, 11 Roma Makhatadze, 10 Merls Pieterse, 9 Tengiz Peranidze, 8 Giorgi Sinauridze, 7 Otar Giorgadze, 6 Lasha Tsikhistavi, 5 Demur Epremidze, 4 Mikheil Babunashvili (captain), 3 Kakhaber Darbaidze, 2 Irakli Kvatadze, 1 Davit Abdushelishvili

Replacements – 16 Giga Kobakhidze, 17 Tamaz Tchamiashvili, 18 Nikoloz Khatiashvili, 19 Guram Ghaniashvili, 20 Giorgi Kervalishvili, 21 Vano Putkaradze, 22 Giorgi Spanderashvili, 23 Zura Lutidze

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm