Jackal apprentice Marnus van der Merwe has the tools to emulate Springbok master Malcolm Marx

One thing that is consistent about Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ selections of new players is that they more often than not have a similar profile to stalwarts they need to back up.

Last year the Springboks were without industrious lock Franco Mostert for almost the entire season. Erasmus then rushed in Ruan Nortje, who has a similar work-rate and is also a good lineout operator.

The Stormers flank Ben-Jason Dixon was also part of the mix last year. He definitely has some traits that he shares with Bok icon Pieter-Steph du Toit, as a No 7 who gets around the park and has a big tackle count. 

This year, Vincent Tshituka has been asked to fill Du Toit’s big boots as a workhorse in the No 7 jersey. The Sharks man, like Du Toit, is also very good with the ball in his hands and is a wonderful support player.

So, when pondering over the selection of Marnus van der Merwe, it’s quite easy to see why Erasmus brought in the Wales-based hooker out from the cold and into the Springboks’ fold.

The 28-year-old Van der Merwe, who joined Scarlets at the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season from the Cheetahs, hoping to revive his career. But such was his impact for the Welsh side, that he played himself into the Bok team for their season opener against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday.

Van der Merwe was especially good against the Stormers at the DHL Stadium in the latter part of the URC. He produced a massive all-round display, with neat lineout throwing, bullocking runs, thundering tackles and, probably the standout on that cold night, being a nightmare at the breakdown.

It was like he morphed into the perfect clone of star Bok hookers Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx. 

Like Marx, Van der Merwe is almost immovable when he gets over the ball. It’s a bit like trying to clean out a chest freezer. He made three crucial steals against the Stormers and was easily the jackal kind during that match.

Van der Merwe is certainly keen to learn from Mbonambi and Marx, who will be 36 and 33 respectively when the next Rugby World Cup in Australia comes around.

“The squad is helpful. Everyone is helping everyone,” said Van der Merwe, who will be starting on the bench behind Marx on Saturday. 

“The first week, I think I asked Bongi like 20 questions during the first day. I'm taking my opportunity, learning my stuff, and hopefully I can produce what needs to be produced this weekend.

Being good over the ball at the breakdown is certainly a good trait to have for a good Bok hooker. Before Marx there was Bismarck du Plessis, who also added that extra dimension to the Springboks arsenal.

Van der Merwe says he likes fighting for the ball on the ground, but believes he still has a lot to learn.

“If you look at how the Springboks play, with Malcolm Marx coming on and Bongi who has a superb set-piece, you want to emulate them and look at how best they operate,” Van der Merwe added.

“I just put my head down and saw it (stealing the ball) as something I can specialise in. To see the ball there is easy, but to steal it is pretty tough.”

@JohnGoliath82