Steven Kitshoff believes RG Snyman is “trying to knock the door down” for a Springbok call-up and be in the mix when South Africa defends the Webb Ellis Cup in France.
A 2019 World Cup winner, Snyman made the last of his 23 Test appearances alongside Kitshoff to help the Boks lift the trophy in Japan, and is on the comeback trail after a slew of injury setbacks.
The pair will be on opposite sides at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, where loosehead prop Kitshoff is set to lead out the DHL Stormers against towering lock Snyman and his Munster teammates in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
The 2023 World Cup is less than five months away, and speaking on his reunion with Snyman, Kitshoff said: “Facing old teammate JK [Jean Kleyn], and RG, it’s going to be quite interesting – I think there’s going to be some Afrikaans swear words on the field between Ruben [van Heerden], Marvin [Orie] and JK and RG!
“RG has been through hell the last couple of years and to start playing rugby again is massive. And I think he’s also someone who is trying to knock the door down for a Springbok call-up again to the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Bok forwards coach Deon Davids has revealed to IOL Sport that the national coaches will be closely monitoring Snyman’s match-up with Orie.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how he and Marvin weigh up against each other,” Davids said. “Both are outstanding lineout jumpers and are good leaders. We are looking forward to that battle.”
On Snyman’s return from a long lay-off, he added: “At this stage, I’m just very happy for him that he gets to play rugby again after a long absence. After two years, it will take a bit of time for him to find his feet, but the quality of a player never disappears.
“He fought through his injuries and made his comeback. It speaks of his character and that is an important quality for a top player of international quality to have.”
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