Springbok icon Bryan Habana is tipping Edwill van der Merwe to carve his name into the annals of rugby history this Saturday at Ellis Park. With a try-scoring streak in his first three Tests, the electrifying 29-year-old winger is on the brink of becoming the first Springbok to score in each of his first four international appearances, a feat he hopes to achieve against the formidable Wallabies.
At the launch party for Peregrine Capital X Rugby Centurions, Habana couldn't hide his enthusiasm for Van der Merwe and his fellow Bok wingers, who are, in his words, "redefining how people see wing play."
"Edwill could become the first Springbok to score tries in his first four matches, and I always tell people, 'Records are there to be broken.'"
Habana praised the platform that players like Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Makazole Mapimpi have been given, celebrating their ability to showcase their unique talents and individualism.According to Habana, Van der Merwe's relentless work ethic and distinctive abilities make him a consistent threat on the field. "Edwill has been playing incredible rugby over the last six or seven years. He grafted hard and is a player who puts himself in positions to surprise opposition." Habana highlighted Van der Merwe's explosive off-the-mark speed and his knack for appearing where opponents least expect him, comparing his power-to-weight ratio to that of Cheslin Kolbe.
Van der Merwe himself feels at home at Ellis Park, a venue he describes as one of his favorite stadiums. This Saturday provides him another opportunity to dazzle in the green and gold, potentially etching his name into the record books in front of an adoring home crowd.