South Africa's wing, Edwin van der Merwe, anticipates the upcoming game against the dangerous Scottish team in Pretoria. Although the Test match in Loftus will be a new experience for him, many players on the opposing side are familiar to him.
Upcoming Match and Experience
Van der Merwe has not yet played against the Scots and has never played in Loftus for the South African national team. He will experience both events on Saturday, when the 'Boks' aim to secure their second consecutive victory in the Nations Cup following a confident 45-21 win against England last week.
The thirty-year-old player previously participated in five Test matches: twice against Italy, and once each against Australia, Georgia, and Wales. In these games, he scored five points, missing only one match against the 'Volleyballs.'
Career Ambitions and Competition
Since his last appearance with the South African national team almost a year ago, presumably due to injury and the need to regain form, this encounter against the Scots is highly significant for Van der Merwe and his ambition to establish himself in the 'Boks' squad. Competition for the wing position in the 'Boks' lineup is very high, as Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Keenan Moody are vying for this role, while injured Ethan Hooker is also being considered. Furthermore, other players offer versatility: Jesse Kriel, Grant Williams, Afelele Fassi, Juan Cornes, and, if necessary, Damian Willemse can play on the flank.
Therefore, Van der Merwe must deliver an exceptional performance in Pretoria to remain in contention. Recently, in a friendly match against the Barbarians, he demonstrated such form by scoring a hat-trick, and a similar outing against the visitors would help him.
Attitude Towards the Game and Opponents
Despite the packed roster of players on the flanks and the pressure associated with needing to perform at a high level, Van der Merwe stated on Tuesday that he clearly understands his responsibilities. He said that the coaching staff creates an environment where everyone knows their place and the team's plans. He emphasized that everyone knows the team comes first, so if you aren't playing, there's no time to feel sorry for yourself; instead, you need to focus on what you can do for the team and how to help the player who is playing see the bigger picture. When the opportunity arises, it must be seized with both hands.
Regarding the opponents, the Scots are expected to select Jamie Dobie, Kyle Steyn's captain, and Kyle Rowe in their backline trio. Van der Merwe knows these names well, especially Steyn. Van der Merwe noted that there are dangerous players to watch. Most of them play for 'Edinburgh' or 'Glasgow', which gives them good cohesion, vision, and understanding. He added that he played with Steyn at Stellenbosch University, so they have known each other for a long time, and he will be pleased to play against him on the weekend.
The 'Sharks' player also mentioned his team's advantage in regular matches within the United Rugby Championship against the Scots. He added that he has played against several potential wingers, and that the coaching staff has excellent intelligence on the opponents, allowing them to know exactly what to expect. He concluded that ultimately, execution during the match is what matters.
Context and Team Goals
Last week, the Scots earned seven points against Argentina in a match that ended 47-38. Arriving in South Africa after this victory, they are determined to confront the 'Boks' in Round 23. Now, it is up to Van der Merwe and his teammates not only to prevent a defeat but also to make a statement for higher achievements, especially ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.