Duhan van der Merwe, like Cheslin Kolbe, has built his reputation as one of the best wingers in international rugby by tormenting England, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane compares double Springbok world champion Kolbe’s nimble footwork, especially evident in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, to SA-born Scotland flyer Van der Merwe’s more abrasive but as effective style.
He praises Van der Merwe’s subtle skills and raw strength, highlighting his impressive performances against England in the Six Nations over the past two seasons.
Van der Merwe’s recent hat-trick against England at Murrayfield adds to his growing list of accomplishments, and Keohane anticipates him becoming Scotland’s greatest Test try-scorer.
He believes both SA speedsters deserve a spot in an ideal Test XV, with Van der Merwe drawing comparisons to All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu for his destructive display.
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“Kolbe has been lighting up Japan in the past few months at club level, but at Test level it’s been Van der Merwe winging it with the most wonderful of performances against England at Murrayfield,” Keohane writes.
“If Kolbe’s step and go seemed more like an unbroken stride, then Van der Merwe’s step and go is that of a powerhouse bulldozer.
“Van der Merwe, the scorer of five tries in his last three Tests against England, crushed England in the most Jonah Lomu-like display.
“We will always claim him as one of ours, given his nationality, but when it comes to Test rugby this giant is more Braveheart than boer.”
Photo: Jane Barlow/PA via BackpagePix
The post Duhan, the Braveheart bulldozer appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
