The South Africa Springboks kicked off their season in resounding fashion with a commanding 41-13 victory over Wales on Sunday. This match was particularly significant for prop Vincent Koch and wing Edwill van der Merwe, both of whom celebrated personal milestones.
Koch, who earned his 50th Test cap, was part of a formidable front row alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx, both of whom played crucial roles in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning team.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion, Koch expressed his elation, saying, “It was very special playing my 50th Test. It was a dream come true, and the boys were unbelievable. I’m very proud of the team. They showed real character in the second half to get the win. Winning my 50th game was amazing. These opportunities don’t come along every day, so I’m very proud.”
For Edwill van der Merwe, the match marked his debut in the green and gold, and he made an immediate impact by scoring his first Test try and earning the man-of-the-match award.
Van der Merwe was one of four players to debut for the Springboks in this match, making his performance even more remarkable.
“It was an incredible experience to play my first Test and it was very humbling to earn the man-of-the-match award,” Van der Merwe shared. “The way we prepared in the last two weeks gave me a lot of confidence in the systems, and it allowed me to just be myself.”
Despite the potential for nerves, Van der Merwe credited the experienced players around him for helping him stay composed.
“There was no real nervousness, so I could just be Edwill. The guys around me like Jesse (Kriel) and Makazole (Mapimpi) gave me a lot of confidence by always chatting to me, which made my job easier.”
The highlight of Van der Merwe’s debut came when he crossed the tryline, a moment he described with great emotion.
“I called Grant (Williams) for a ball off his shoulder, and I couldn’t believe it when I went through and crossed the tryline. I was overcome with emotion and took a moment to take it all in because it was very special.”
The Springboks’ dominant performance included four tries and a penalty try, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
As the team prepares to return to South Africa, they face a challenging Test series against Ireland, the world’s second-ranked team, followed by a historic match against Portugal in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
Koch emphasized the importance of building on this victory as they head into tougher fixtures. “Our performance wasn’t perfect, but we showed glimpses of good things that we can build on. The young guys that put up their hands was also a good sign for South African rugby, so we are really looking forward to Tests against Ireland and Portugal.”
The Springboks’ victory over Wales has set a positive tone for the season, with both seasoned players and new talent contributing to the team’s success. The squad’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead.
