Springboks speedster Edwill van der Merwe believes the fact that several Lions players made their Test debuts in 2024 could inspire other players at the Johannesburg-based side to push for higher honours.

Van der Merwe was the star of the show when he made his Springbok debut in their clash with Wales at Twickenham in June as he delivered an outstanding attacking performance in which he crossed for a well-taken try and was rewarded with the official player-of-the-match award after the game.

Apart from Van der Merwe, fellow Lions backline star Jordan Hendrikse (fly-half) – who has subsequently moved to the Sharks – also made his Test bow against Wales, while other players from the United Rugby Championship outfit such as Ruan Venter (lock), Morne van den Berg (scrum-half) and Quan Horn (full-back) received their first taste of international rugby in the Boks’ win over Portugal in Bloemfontein last month.

Hoping to motivate more Lions players

Van der Merwe feels having so many players involved in the Springboks set-up this year could motivate their club-mates to emulate their achievements.

“I think probably the number one thing is it will probably inspire our team-mates more to know that the Bok coaches are looking at the Lions,” he told reporters.

“I think for a long time there might have been a perception of that they’re not really looking at the Lions.

“So now from the Lions group there’s five guys who came through this season, which is quite special.

“I think there’s a big responsibility on us as players to take what we’ve learned at the Springboks back to the Lions and help the (other) guys also achieve their dream of playing for the Springboks, to uplift them and support them in achieving their dream.”

Despite his outstanding performance on his Test debut, Van der Merwe is yet to turn out in another Test as he sustained a shoulder injury in the Boks’ victory over Wales.

While he admits that it’s frustrating to spend time on the sidelines, it’s not something which weighs heavily on his mind and he is focused on making a full recovery.

“It is disappointing but I’ve been disappointed a few times in my life to know how to pick myself up,” said Van der Merwe.

Obviously, as part of being a professional rugby player, you get setbacks. I think the biggest thing is how you pick yourself back up and go again. So that’s probably the most rewarding part.

When you work hard with your physio, when you’re not part of a team, it gets quite lonely but I think the most rewarding thing is when you’re back with your team-mates, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

The 28-year-old said he is still uncertain when he will return to action.

“There’s no set date. I have to see the specialist tomorrow,” added Van der Merwe. “I’ll probably get a bit more clarity (then) but hopefully in the next few weeks.”