Springbok winger Edwill van der Merwe gives the thumbs up. Image: Via SA Rugby.
Springbok rookie’s superb stats in debut Test!
Of the four players that made their Springbok debuts against Wales on Saturday, Edwill van der Merwe had the biggest game. Take a look at the numbers he put up.
Springbok winger Edwill van der Merwe gives the thumbs up. Image: Via SA Rugby.
Springbok debutant Edwill van der Merwe announced himself to the Test arena in remarkable style courtesy of a fine performance against Wales at Twickenham.
The Springboks beat Wales 41-13 in London to start their Test season off on a winning note. And while the team’s collection performance can be described as disjointed and rusty at times, there were several positives which would have pleased coach Rassie Erasmus immensely.
VAN DER MERWE SHINES BRIGHT UNDER BOK LIGHTS
One of those positives, was the sensational display of debutant Van der Merwe, who made the most of his first opportunity in a Springbok jersey.
The 28-year-old’s shiny performance included four strong ball carries, two crucial passes, four defenders left in the dust, two clean breaks, 71 running metres around, three dominant tackles and a try on debut.
Van der Merwe, who starred for the Lions this past season, two most important plays though, were his double try-saving tackles as early as the 23rd minute.
Latching onto a loose pass from rookie Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, Wales turned defence into attack and pierced through the South African defence.
But exhibiting a characteristic so prominent in this current Springbok set-up, Van der Merwe went on to chase what seemed like a lost cause and managed first haul in Welsh winger Liam Williams, before quickly getting to his feet and dragging down centre Mason Grady, who looked for all money to be headed for the try-line.
As if that piece of defensive mastery wasn’t enough, Van der Merwe went on a scintillating solo run to continue the long and rich history of Springbok wingers bagging a maiden international try in their maiden international Test.
“It was an incredible experience to play my first Test and it was very humbling to earn the Man-of-the-Match award,” the newly capped Springboks ace said after the game.
“The way we prepared in the last two weeks gave me a lot of confidence in the systems, and it allowed me to just be myself.”
“There was no real nervousness, so I could just be Edwill. The guys around me like Jesse (Kriel) and Makazole (Mapimpi) gave me a lot of confidence by always chatting to me, which made my job easier.”
A delighted Springboks boss gave the speedster’s the thumbs up and confirmed he is in the inside lane for selection for the two-Test series against Ireland if injuries disrupt the squad.
“With doubts over Cheslin Kolbe and Willie le Roux for the series against Ireland, Van der Merwe has thrown his name well and truly into the mix,” Erasmus said.
WATCH: SPRINGBOK DEBUTANT’S TWO BEST PLAYS
