Interesting:Springboks wing speaks about playing his first Test on South Africa soil

Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe speaks about playing his first Test on South African soil.

Van der Merwe enjoyed a dream Test debut at Twickenham last season, earning the Player of the Match award before missing out on selection for the two-Test series against Ireland and a once-off match against Georgia.

He was included in the squad for the 2024 Rugby Championship, but was released to the Lions to play in the Currie Cup to regain match fitness, only to suffer an ankle injury against the Pumas.

Although Van der Merwe was fit for the Boks’ end-of-year tour, he missed out on selection again.

After a stellar United Rugby Championship campaign with his former team, the Lions, this past season, Van der Merwe is roaring to continue that form in his second Test, the first one he will enjoy playing on home soil.

The 29-year-old Kylemore native said that he is grateful to be back in the Bok picture and that playing his first Test in South Africa is extra special.

Just being back in the mix and playing for the Boks is a massive honour and privilege.

“It’s something I’ve worked hard towards [to reach] again,” Van der Merwe told @rugby365com.

“There will be extra pressure playing on home soil [for the first time].

“My parents are driving up from Cape Town with my wife and sister, so it’s a special moment for the family in the stands as well, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Van der Merwe added that after his debut, he had the hunger for more opportunities in the green and gold and not just to be known as a one-time capped Bok.

My biggest goal was to play for the Springboks.

“After my debut [against Wales], I told myself that I don’t want to be a one-cap Bok.

“I’m very grateful to get this opportunity again, and I know it’s only through the grace of God that I’m sitting here again.

“It’s been roughly a year and a month later that I’m getting this opportunity again, so I’m looking

forward to Saturday.”