Van der Merwe Aims to Cement His Legacy in Scottish Rugby
Duhan van der Merwe is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone as he gears up for his 50th cap for Scotland. This special match against the USA is set to take place at Murrayfield on Saturday. Van der Merwe aims to strengthen his legacy in Scottish rugby through this achievement.
Ambitions for Team Success
In recent statements, Van der Merwe expressed his desire to prioritize team success over personal achievements. He stated, “There’s still a lot more to give.” His focus is set on winning all four matches during the upcoming autumn series and aiming for a strong performance in the Six Nations next year.
Team Dynamics and Injuries
Scotland’s squad is looking much stronger than during the last Six Nations. Many players who were previously sidelined by injuries, such as Sione Tuipulotu, Scott Cummings, and Kyle Steyn, have returned to full fitness. Currently, only Huw Jones is absent for the autumn series, which bodes well for the team’s prospects.
- Sione Tuipulotu – back from injury
- Scott Cummings – back from injury
- Kyle Steyn – back from injury
- Huw Jones – notable absentee
Recent Experiences and Growth
Van der Merwe had a varied experience during the summer British and Irish Lions tour, where he was one of 12 Scots participating in Australia. Despite his involvement, he did not make the matchday squad for any tests against the Wallabies. Reflecting on this, he described it as a “bittersweet” experience.
Impressive Career Stats
Since making his debut for Scotland in 2020 against Georgia, Van der Merwe has made a significant impact. He has scored a remarkable 32 tries in just 49 caps, making him Scotland’s record try-scorer. The match against the USA offers him an opportunity to extend this record and celebrate his journey in rugby.
A Special Moment
For the 30-year-old winger, reaching 50 caps is a surreal moment. He shared his thoughts about his journey, recalling, “When I made my debut back five years ago, I never thought I’d be sitting here making my 50th.”
Van der Merwe is determined to make the most of his remaining years in professional rugby, stating, “I’ve got so much more to give over the next couple of years.” With his hard work and dedication, he continues to aim for greatness within the Scottish rugby landscape.
