AUDIO: Life is not a sprint says Bok speedster
AUDIO: Sprinting and scoring tries are part and parcel of Springbok Edwill van der Merwe’s career on the pitch, although he had to take the scenic route to kick-start his professional career.
So scoring tries in the Green and Gold happened very late in his life, and at one stage, he regretted his decision to study full-time as it was keeping him away from the training field.
The 29-year-old wing spent four years studying towards a Sports Science degree at Stellenbosch University before he got his first taste of professional rugby at Western Province.
He finally made his debut for Western Province in 2016 and made his debut for the Stormers in 2019.
It took him another five years before attracting the attention of the Springbok selectors, and he finally made his debut against Wales at Twickenham in 2024.
Despite not being part of the initial alignment camps earlier in the year, he was called up to the squad in June of that year, making the most of his opportunity.
Van der Merwe made a significant impact on the game, scoring a stunning solo try late in the match and being named Man of the Match. The Springboks dominated the match, ultimately winning 41-13.
“I studied BA Sports Science when I was at Stellenbosch, and most importantly, I finished it and graduated,” he said during a media briefing on Wednesday.
“I blamed my studies for not being where I wanted to be in rugby. Because I was studying, I was not always at training. But [as my tattoo says] it is a marathon and not a sprint.”
Now he is on the cusp of making history in only his fourth Test match when he faces the Wallabies at his favourite venue, Ellis Park, this weekend.
No Springbok has ever scored in all four of their first Tests.
“Ellis Park is one of my favourite stadiums next to the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
“My first Test at Ellis Park is very special, and also facing Australia for the first time, which I am looking forward to.”
Van der Merwe starts at wing in the place of Cheslin Kolbe, who will sit out this encounter due to a niggling injury.
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Scoring tries has become his trademark when he pulls on the jersey, but according to the speedster, it doesn’t put pressure on him now every time he straps up for a Test match.
“I don’t think there is any pressure on me to continue scoring tries.
“Scoring a try is a bonus. Playing with the guys next to me who like to move the ball around helps because I like to get the ball in space.
“May the try-scoring continue,” he smiled.
Van der Merwe also spoke about the time he spent at the Lions, the team that helped him become a Springbok.
“I am very grateful to the Lions for the opportunity they gave me. It was the best four years of my career, and it was the best decision I made to move from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
“Moving to Durban is a new challenge and will keep me on my toes. I will be surrounded by teammates, which will help me elevate my game.”
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