Could this player be the biggest Springbok surprise of 2025?
When many Springbok fans were making predictions about the possible make up of the squad for 2025, not many predicted the call up of former Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe.
However, as the Springbok coaches considered who could add much-needed depth at hooker, they simply could not ignore the consistently impactful performances of Van der Merwe for Welsh club Scarlets.
The 28-year-old, who was a member of the Junior Springbok training squad in 2017, will now feature off the bench against the Barbarians this Saturday, realising a dream that he didn't think would come into reality so quickly.
'I didn't think it would happen this fast,' said Van der Merwe. 'I thought it would probably take another year or so, so hopefully I can grab the opportunity with both hands.
'I told my wife when we went over to Wales that I have a two-year plan to work my way into the Bok set-up, and if it doesn't happen, we'll make another plan. Obviously being here now means that we've had to move everything forward.'
By all accounts, Van der Merwe boasts all the qualities that could see him enjoy the most unexpected breakthrough season for the Springboks, while providing much-needed back up cover and competition to Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx.
Looking ahead to making his first appearance for the Springboks against a quality Barbarians outfit, Van der Merwe said he's approaching it as a Test match.
'I want to go out there and give everything, just as I do every week for my club,' he said. 'One thing's for certain, it's tough to get here and even harder to stay here, so I plan to give my best.'
Commenting on what has stood out for him in the Springbok team, he said: 'It's the way the team does things and the structure within the system. The way Tony (Brown) and Jerry (Flannery – Springbok assistant coaches) see the game has also taught me a lot about how to improve my rugby, and it's fantastic how every coach gives input in their areas of expertise.
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