It’s been a life-changing year for the Springboks on all fronts, from coach Rassie Erasmus, skipper Siya Kolisi to the rest of the world champion squad.
Now, for Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe, life has changed forever with the news that he is a father.
‘Try-scoring machine’
“Erasmus must still decide whether to summon Edwill van der Merwe, who returned to South Africa for the birth of his child,” SARugbyMag reported.
This suggests that he could be called back into the mix following Kurt-Lee Arendse’s recent concussion.
Furthermore, with Makazole Mapimpi suspended, Van der Merwe may get a run against Wales in the Springboks’ final match of the year.
The Springboks will take on Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 29 November.
Kick-off is at 17:10 (SA time).
Van der Merwe could go from a try-scoring Springbok machine to a father and back to the Springbok set-up in a matter of weeks.
It’s indeed been an unforgettable year for the talented Lions and Springboks flyer!
Started like a house on fire
Edwill van der Merwe started like a house on fire for the Springboks this season.
He scored two tries in both his first two Test matches of 2025 against Italy and Georgia and Italy, putting pressure on the in-form Kurt-Lee Arendse as well as veteran Makazole Mapimpi.
However, he quickly lost momentum after he was found wanting defensively during the Springboks’ shock 38-22 home loss to Australia at Ellis Park.
Van der Merwe made several defensive reads which led to a few Wallaby tries.
Thereafter, Rassie Erasmus and co have instead opted for Ethan Hooker during Kurt-Lee Arendse’s absence.
However, Arendse was slotted straight back into the mix when he was fit again when the Springboks took on France a fortnight ago.
Van der Merwe, still only 29, has scored five tries in his five Tests in the green and gold jersey.
Meanwhile, Erasmus and Kolisi’s charges will finish 2025 as the number one-ranked side in World Rugby thanks to their win over Ireland on Saturday.
