Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe’s dream to represent the Springboks are still alive and well, despite heading into his golden playing years.
The 33-year-old made his Test debut back in 2018 against Wales when Rassie Erasmus took the reigns from Allister Coetzee in a 20-22 defeat in Washington DC.
He went on to play two further Tests in a victorious series against Eddie Jones’ England at the time – with all three of his Test appearances coming off the bench.
Now seven years later, ‘the angry warthog’ as he’s fondly known made it clear that he came back to South Africa after a stint in Manchester with the Sale Sharks with his Bok ambitions still strong.
“I didn’t come back to South Africa to go through the motions, I still want to play for the Springboks,” Van der Merwe revealed
“It’s not about playing for myself, it’s playing for the team and making sure I execute my role 110 percent.”
Van der Merwe says he still feels good for his age and despite not having had contact with Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus, he remains hopeful of a national call-up.
“No, unfortunately, I haven’t, obviously I’m 33-years-old but I don’t look at my age,” Van der Merwe said when asked if he’s had contact with Erasmus.
“I still feel good, I don’t feel like a 33-year-old should feel.
“When the time is right then he’ll [Rassie Erasmus] will have another look, but I’m just staying positive and trying my best so the Bulls can succeed.”
Springboks star slammed after alleged ‘eye gouge’ incident against Cardiff
South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi appeared to make contact with Efan Daniel’s eyes
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South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi has been slammed after he appeared to eye gouge Cardiff hooker Efan Daniel during the Welsh club’s 42-22 defeat to the Sharks at the Arms Park on Saturday night.
In an edgy affair in the Welsh capital, the double Rugby World Cup winner found himself entangled in a scrap with Daniel. The incident occurred midway through the second half after referee Mike Adamson had awarded a penalty to the home side.
Daniel decided to play on after the whistle and chipped the ball behind Mapimpi. The 34-year-old proceeded to tackle the hooker before the pair got engaged in a scuffle, which resulted in Daniel pulling Mapimpi’s jersey over his head.
Mapimpi reacted by grabbing and squaring up to Daniel. The pair were face-to-face when Mapimpi’s fingers appeared to make contact with Daniel’s eyes.
Surprisingly, TMO Andrew McMenemy decided not to alert Adamson to the incident. Mapimpi’s alleged actions have caused outrage on social media platform X with one fan saying: “Makazole Mapimpi could be one of rugby’s biggest thugs for that alleged eye gouge on Efan Daniel…”
Another said: “Throw the book at him – harshest punishment possible. Gouging is an absolute no-go for me!”
It’s likely now that this incident will be reviewed by a disciplinary panel, where Mapimpi could receive a lengthy ban for his actions, if he is found guilty of the act. The incident is yet to be officially cited, though.
