Duhan van der Merwe: 'I don’t feel like I have a point to prove'

Duhan van der Merwe and his wife, Nika, recently became British citizens after nine years in Scotland, but whenever the South African-born winger comes up against the country of his birth, questions are raised about what it feels like to be taking on some of the  players he grew up with.

The build-up to Saturday’s match between the Barbarians and reigning world champions South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth has been no different, given that the 31-year-old has been named in the Baa-baas starting line-up.

While van der Merwe has already experienced playing against the Springboks six times in international rugby – three for the British and Irish Lions and three for Scotland – Saturday will be his debut in the famous black and white hoops, against any opposition.

“I guess the first time a faced the Boks it was a little bit strange,” van der Merwe said.

“People have their opinions, whatever they might be and they are entitled to them but it doesn’t bother me.

“It was just a very proud moment for me and my family to do something which I never thought I would be able to do.

“The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of any rugby players’ career so to do that against South Africa was very special.

“I’ve been away for nine or ten years now so whether I’m representing Scotland or the Lions, it’s a special moment and something I chose. It’s going to be pretty cool to play against them with the Barbarians on Saturday.

“I don’t feel like I have a point to prove or anything. It’s been nine or ten years and I’m just grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

“The motivation is more that they have been the world champions for a long time and you want to test yourself against the best. You know whenever you play South Africa, it’s going to be pretty tough.”

One added incentive for Van der Merwe has been the opportunity to reconnect and play alongside Warrick Gelant.

The duo attended the same school in George and also joined the Bulls academy set-up together, although they never shared a pitch in the blue.

And re-establishing that once prolific combination with the now Stormers full-back has been an exciting prospect for the Scotland star.

He added: “It’s brilliant. I didn’t know Warrick was involved until I got here and saw him.

“In the meetings we’ve had to get up and speak about ourselves and one of the things I mentioned was how special it is to reconnect with Warrick.

“He was my full-back in school back in 2013. We’ve got a really good relationship so to be about to play together again is special.

“I know what he can do, I trust him and we still have that connection.

“We always had this thing where he would go up and give me the ball and just shout in Afrikaans to basically score in the corner. I’ve told him, I’m a little bit older now and I might not make it!”

Van der Merwe has been included in the Barbarians squad for the South Africa match and also the clash with Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, a week on Saturday, when the men and women will play in a double header.

His call-up was with the agreement of Scotland, who have named him in their Nations Championship squad.

Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, visit www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com