Edwill van der Merwe will start on the right wing for the Springboks against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 17:40 (SA Time). His inclusion marks a triumphant return to Test-level rugby after a long stretch away due to a serious shoulder injury sustained shortly after his international debut.
His 2026 mid-year campaign has been a masterclass in resilience, highlighted by an explosive performance against the Barbarians and an emotional re-entry into the core national squad.
Van der Merwe kicked off his international season in spectacular fashion, scoring a stunning hat-trick during the Springboks' 80-31 demolition of the invitational Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. He opened South Africa's account in just the fifth minute following an assist from captain Siya Kolisi.
Despite that scoring prowess, the 28-year-old sat out the opening Nations Championship match, an emphatic 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park. True to the team ethos, the Hollywoodbets Sharks speedster remained focused on the bigger picture.
Speaking at a Springbok Press Conference, Van der Merwe credited the selfless environment cultivated by head coach Rassie Erasmus.
“The coaching staff have created a culture where you know exactly what the plans are and where you fit into them,” Van der Merwe explained. “Everyone knows the team comes first, so if you aren't playing, there isn't really time to feel sorry for yourself. Rather, you focus on what you can do for the team and how you can help the guy who is playing get the bigger picture. When your opportunity comes, you must grab it with both hands.”
With Erasmus heavily reshuffling the squad, Van der Merwe earns his sixth official Test cap. He will wear the number 14 jersey in what will be his first-ever appearance for the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.
“There are so many talented wings in our group and in South Africa as a whole," he added. "I’m very privileged to be in the position where I can play this weekend. I’m really looking forward to it because it will be my first Test for the Springboks at Loftus.”
He credited established stars like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse for selflessly stepping in to help him prepare for the distinct challenges posed by the Scottish backline. “Everyone in the group helps the guys who are playing to prepare well. Cheslin and Kurt-Lee have especially helped me this week.”
The clash also brings a personal narrative, as Van der Merwe faces former Stellenbosch University teammate Kyle Steyn. While he has never played against Scotland at the Test level, regular United Rugby Championship (URC) fixtures mean he is well acquainted with their dangerous outside backs.
“Steyn and I have known each other for quite some time. It will be good to play against him on the weekend," Van der Merwe concluded. "Most of their guys play for either Edinburgh or Glasgow, so they have a good cohesion, vision, and understand each other. Our advantage is that we play URC regularly against the Scots. The coaching staff also have excellent profiles on the opposition, so we know precisely what is coming. They prepare us really well; at the end of the day, it’s how we execute during the match.”