There’s something special about earning a Test cap in front of your home crowd — and for Edwill van der Merwe, Saturday’s clash against Italy in Gqeberha is shaping up to be an emotional and electric moment.
The 29-year-old speedster is set to make just his second Springbok appearance, more than a year after marking his debut with a try against Wales at Twickenham in June 2024. This weekend, he takes the field not just as a man chasing dreams — but as one proudly doing it with his family in the stands and Springbok legends by his side.
It’s a privilege being back in the team and to get the opportunity to play,” said a beaming Van der Merwe on Thursday. “My family drove to Gqeberha to support me, and it’s going to be very special to play in front of them. It’s exciting, although there are some nerves too, but I’m sure that will calm down as the game approaches.”
For Edwill, this second cap feels as significant as a debut — maybe even more so.
It was always my biggest goal to play for the Springboks, and when I earned my first cap, I wanted to make sure that I didn’t just play one game,” he shared. “So it’s great that a year and three months later, I’m looking forward to playing another game.”
Surrounded by Legends
The pressure of a Test is always immense, but having seasoned heads like Willie le Roux and Makazole Mapimpi flanking you in the back-three certainly helps.
Le Roux, who is set to become just the eighth player in South African rugby history to reach 100 Test caps, and Mapimpi, a 2019 World Cup winner with 46 Test appearances, offer Edwill more than just support — they offer assurance.
A guy like Willie brings a lot of experience, and Mapimpi has helped me a lot with the small areas of my game,” Van der Merwe explained. “It’s just about leaning on those guys for advice and some tricks of the trade. They’ve been there and done that, so playing with them gives me a lot of confidence.”
Carving His Own Identity
When you’re competing for a jersey alongside the likes of Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe, comparisons are inevitable. But Edwill is focused on staying true to himself.
They are the gold standard, but for me it’s about being myself. I think I’ve been selected in this group for something I bring uniquely as well. It’s about expressing myself and just doing my job in the system.”
That doesn’t mean he’s not soaking up wisdom from his wing counterparts.
They’re probably the top two wings in the world at the moment, so for me to learn from these guys, see what they’re doing and try to apply it to my game. The nice thing about this environment is everybody helps each other and wants the guy who’s playing on the weekend to be the best he can be for South Africa.”
Italy Will Bring the Heat
While the atmosphere promises to be festive with a hometown feel, Van der Merwe knows the business at hand. Italy showed glimpses of brilliance despite falling 42–24 in Pretoria last week, and Edwill expects a fierce battle.
Both teams will look to make a step-up this week, and it’s great to have experienced players like Willie and Makazole playing with me in my second Test,” he said. “We still have to stop what they throw at us on the day, so we have a big job ahead this weekend.”
Kickoff and the Bigger Picture
The match kicks off at 17h10 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC. For Edwill, though, this isn’t just about minutes on the field — it’s about proving that he belongs on the biggest stage and can add something special to a Springbok team loaded with firepower.
From scoring on debut in London to running out at home with his loved ones in the crowd, Edwill van der Merwe’s journey is only beginning. And if his smile is anything to go by — the moment isn’t too big for him. He’s ready.
