Van der Merwe said he has only one New Year’s resolution and that is to represent the Springboks again and acknowledged his best chance to impress Rassie Erasmus is by starring for the Emirates Lions.
Van der Merwe has only one Springbok Test, Wales in Bloemfontein, to his name where he used his chances and scored a forty-meter try, beat four defenders, had a 100% tackle record and claimed the man of the match award.
Van der Merwe suffered an ankle injury in the Currie Cup in July and could only return to action in early October, and was overlooked for the Springboks outgoing tour in November 2024.
"On the field, I want to get back into the Bok group. I would love to play more games for the Springboks."
"That is where my focus is and I know the only way I am going to achieve that, is to constantly play well for the Lions, to be a good team man."
"So that is my New Year’s resolution."