Springboks need to be ready for whatever Italy throw at them, says Edwill van der Merwe
Springboks winger Edwil van der Merwe emphasises the importance of being prepared for Italy’s wide, fast-paced play in their upcoming match in Turin, highlighting the need to slow down the ball and seize opportunities, while reflecting on his own success and experience against the Italian team. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Though the Springboks will be heavy favourites to win by a large margin, winger Edwill van der Merwe says his side will have to be ready for an Italy side ready to play the ball wide at speed.
The Springboks take on Italy in Turin on Saturday, in a 2.40pm kick-off SA time.
The men in green are coming off a resounding 32-17 comeback victory over France, and there will no doubt be a few changes made to the Springbok team for the weekend clash.
Whichever team lines up for South Africa, Van der Merwe said they will not be able to miss a step.
Van der Merwe’s Strategy: Slowing Down the Ball and Seizing Opportunities
“They put a lot of emphasis on slowing down the ball and stealing it, so that will be a key focus area, but we need to be ready for whatever they throw at us,” Van der Merwe said.
Van der Merwe has already scored five tries in just five matches for the Boks, but he insisted his success was down to the players around him.
“Those are the guys that put you into space, and as a winger, that’s what you want. So, hopefully, when the opportunity comes again to play, it will be the same and I can add more tries to my tally.”
The 29-year-old has experience against Italy, having bagged two tries against them in July when the Springboks won 45-0 in Gqeberha.
“My theory is that life’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“The biggest thing for me is to stay prepared and ready, so whenever the call comes and the opportunity arrives to play, I can grab it with both hands.”