'Bongi and I played 20 questions'

HE'S been praying about that Springbok debut for a while, and now Marnus van der Merwe will finally realise a boyhood dream tomorrow when he runs out for the world champions against the Barbarians in Cape Town.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

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 stand-out 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.