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JJ Harmse
Johannesburg – This was not on the agenda, but what an opportunity.
That is the take of Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe on the first Test start that he will get against the All Blacks in front of 90 000 spectators at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Van der Merwe was included after Danie Rossouw took a hard knock to his upper leg earlier in the week and had to spend some time on the sidelines.
This prompted coach Peter de Villiers to pick Van der Merwe, who replaced Andries Bekker during the overseas leg of the Tri-Nations.
The 24-year-old lock was introduced to Victor Matfield at the Bulls scarcely a year ago, but on Saturday they will team up against the Boks’ greatest rivals.
“Yes, it happened quickly,” Van der Merwe admitted about his inclusion.
“I worked hard at training sessions for the past few days, but it was still a big surprise when I heard that I would start.
“This is a dream come true. To be able to run onto the field against the All Blacks on Saturday with the No 4 jersey on my back. Do you realise how many legends have worn this Bok jersey,” asked the son of former Springbok prop Flippie van der Merwe.
“I’m delighted to get the opportunity.”
The second generation Bok realises the responsibility that comes with wearing the jersey.
“Every guy knows what his job is. The week-and-a-half together was about hard work and I think we achieved that. Of course a lot is expected of me and high standards are set. I’m ready to take on that responsibility.”
Van der Merwe is making his run-on debut in a team that shows eight changes to the one that played in Brisbane, but he does not believe that will be a problem.
“There is a superb balance in the side. There are enough old hands to keep the young ones calm, but then the younger guys bring energy.”
If Van der Merwe’s attitude is a yardstick, Bok fans can sleep easily.
“I have not been a Springbok for long, but know one thing: No Springbok team is allowed to lose in South Africa.”
Johannesburg – This was not on the agenda, but what an opportunity.
That is the take of Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe on the first Test start that he will get against the All Blacks in front of 90 000 spectators at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Van der Merwe was included after Danie Rossouw took a hard knock to his upper leg earlier in the week and had to spend some time on the sidelines.
This prompted coach Peter de Villiers to pick Van der Merwe, who replaced Andries Bekker during the overseas leg of the Tri-Nations.
The 24-year-old lock was introduced to Victor Matfield at the Bulls scarcely a year ago, but on Saturday they will team up against the Boks’ greatest rivals.
“Yes, it happened quickly,” Van der Merwe admitted about his inclusion.
“I worked hard at training sessions for the past few days, but it was still a big surprise when I heard that I would start.
“This is a dream come true. To be able to run onto the field against the All Blacks on Saturday with the No 4 jersey on my back. Do you realise how many legends have worn this Bok jersey,” asked the son of former Springbok prop Flippie van der Merwe.
“I’m delighted to get the opportunity.”
The second generation Bok realises the responsibility that comes with wearing the jersey.
“Every guy knows what his job is. The week-and-a-half together was about hard work and I think we achieved that. Of course a lot is expected of me and high standards are set. I’m ready to take on that responsibility.”
Van der Merwe is making his run-on debut in a team that shows eight changes to the one that played in Brisbane, but he does not believe that will be a problem.
“There is a superb balance in the side. There are enough old hands to keep the young ones calm, but then the younger guys bring energy.”
If Van der Merwe’s attitude is a yardstick, Bok fans can sleep easily.
“I have not been a Springbok for long, but know one thing: No Springbok team is allowed to lose in South Africa.”
