Debutant Marnus van der Merwe’s quest for Springbok knowledge: I asked Bongi about 20 questions

He’s been praying about that Springbok debut for a while and Marnus van der Merwe will finally realise a boyhood dream on Saturday when he runs out for the world champions against the Barbarians in Cape Town.

Although it is not a Test debut and he will remain uncapped, Van der Merwe says he sees it as a first test for the national side when he runs off the bench at the DHL Stadium (5.10pm kick-off) for the first time. He is one of four uncapped players who will make their first international appearance in the Green and Gold.

Van der Merwe took the road less travelled to get into the Bok side having left the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein to forge a rugby path at the Scarlets in Wales. He’s been sublime for the side in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Thanks to these standout performances, he attended a few Bok alignment camps.

However, he was not selected for the side in 2024 and with the abundance of hookers at the disposal of head coach Rassie Erasmus, it was understandable. The 28-year-old never gave up on the dream and finally received the nod this season after more strong performances in the URC.

“It’s an honour and something you pray about every single day,” Van der Merwe said, ahead of his first game.

“As a little boy I wanted to play for the Boks. It’s the dream of any South African boy who holds a rugby ball.

“To be here, is a blessing and I am happy. I will look at this as a Test match and will give it my all. The rush will come. I never imagined this opportunity coming so soon after I left, but I will take it. Anyone in the squad will grab it and I am hopeful I can impress.

“I remained hopeful when I left, but plenty of guys with Bok caps play overseas. So, that hope (that I will be noticed) was always there.

"For someone who’s uncapped, to get that call-up while playing overseas, I do not take it lightly. I want to keep my head down and work hard.”

According to Van der Merwe, his game improved more over the last two weeks than it has in a year. That, he says, is thanks to what he has learned from the coaches and players. He added that the small details they bring to the side and how it can change your game, is one of the things that makes them stand out from other coaches.

The former Cheetahs star was also not shy to ask advice from the veterans in the squad.

“The first week I think I asked Bongi (Mbonambi) about 20 questions. The squad is very helpful. Everyone steps in to help. I just want to make use of this opportunity, learning what I must and hopefully I can produce what needs to be produced on Saturday.”

He also gave credit to the Scarlets coaches who have put their faith in him during the URC.

Van der Merwe said he had a two-year plan to get into the Bok setup when he left for Wales and if it happened it would be great. If it didn’t come to fruition, he would make a new plan with his wife.

“To get here within a year has been unbelievable. After the call from the Boks I went to sit down with the Scarlets coaches and spoke about how I can improve my game while producing for them.

"Credit to the Scarlets for helping me get to where I am. The coaches stood by me.