Edwill van der Merwe and his quest to step up behind the likes of Kurt‑Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe:

Edwill van der Merwe: Ready to follow the Kolbe–Arendse blueprint?

When Edwill van der Merwe burst onto the Springbok stage in June 2024, fans and pundits alike were captivated.

Though he was 28 and had taken the long route to become a professional—through the Varsity Cup and mature‑age debut—his instant impact was undeniable.

On debut against Wales at Twickenham, he scored a stunning solo try, beat multiple defenders, topped the tackle charts, earned Man of the Match, and made a statement: the man was for real (Rugby365).

“There was no real nervousness, so I could just go out and be Edwill,” he reflected post‑match—a telling phrase that offers insight into his confident mentality .

Yet earning a first cap was only the beginning.

South Africa’s back‑three stocks are bursting with brilliance: Cheslin Kolbe, inspired by his Rugby World Cup heroics; Kurt‑Lee Arendse, electrifying the Bulls with a stellar strike rate and defensive grit; plus Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, and others. It’s a crowded, fearsome lineup.

Racing through setbacks and catching up

Van der Merwe’s debut campaign was derailed by an ankle injury in the Currie Cup in July 2024.

But rather than crumble, he bounced back, channelling the hunger to earn his spot back (BusinessLIVE).

The Lions wing leveraged his inclusion in the United Rugby Championship and Challenge Cup to rebuild form and confidence. As one local report put it:

“He knows his way back to the Boks is through delivering compelling performances in the URC and Challenge Cup.” (BusinessLIVE)

The reward? A recall to the Springbok squad for the 2025 Incoming Series, earning his second Test cap (vs. Italy) in Gqeberha on July 12, 2025 (SA Rugby).

His first cap was in June 2024, against Wales at Twickenham—so over one year later, Van der Merwe is fighting to solidify a place in a roster brimming with talent (SA Rugby).

Following in the footsteps of legends

The reference point for Van der Merwe has been inevitable.

Comparisons with Kolbe and Arendse mounted quickly after his debut—and not without merit.

Kolbe’s diminutive 5′7″ frame, explosive acceleration, and sidestep have defined an international career (Telegraph); Arendse’s near-perfect debut and 13 tries in 13 Tests, powerful carries, and defensive acumen make him a force (Telegraph).

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick acknowledged Van der Merwe’s potential as part of a “new-look backline,” noting his style aligned closely with Kolbe or Kurt‑Lee (News24).

Lions assistant Ricardo Loubscher was more direct:

“If we look at what is expected of a winger at any level, Edwill is more than capable of doing that …

He is one of the most professional players I have ever worked with.

He has the ability to finish, one‑on‑one ability on offence and defence, aerial skills, a low foul count and an excellent engine … I don’t think he has any flaws.” (The Citizen)

That encapsulates a rare mix: finishing ability, lockdown defence, contesting the air, plus fitness to pressurise and support—traits reminiscent of his idols.

Crowd reactions: hype, optimism, anticipation

Public sentiment reflects that excitement. After his debut, Twitter exploded with comparisons:

“Edwill Van Der Merwe is Cheslin Kolbe v 2.0 ” (Ultimate Rugby)
“Edwill van der Merwe is definitely Cheslin Kolbe’s doppelganger in every rugby aspect. What a talent ” (Ultimate Rugby)

Fans revered his Stormers impact in 2021 too, likening his electric speed and footwork to Kolbe’s style (Ultimate Rugby).

Redditors, though focuses elsewhere, also felt the shift. One user, referring to Arendse, noted:

“There are two players … I know they’re good. Like, reaaaally freakin’ bloody good … Kurt‑Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse.” (Reddit)

That praise for Arendse is telling—Van der Merwe must match that level to stay in the conversation.

Step‑up time: the Italy test and beyond

Van der Merwe’s second cap hit just as Italy, buoyed by a moral‑boost in Pretoria, was ready to pounce (SA Rugby). He acknowledged the challenge:

“I’m expecting a tough outing … but having Willie le Roux and Makazole Mapimpi at the back with me brought a sense of calm.” (SA Rugby)

To make this baptism count, he must blend explosive breaks with consistency in defence, aerial prowess, support play—and all with the ruthlessness of Kolbe and Arendse when space appears.

What must Edwill bring to stay in the conversation?

1. Consistent finishing & linebreaks – His debut hinted at match‑winning speed, but he must replicate that week in, week out at international level.

2. Aerial dominance & defensive discipline – South Africa’s back‑three are expected to contest high kicks and secure turnovers.

3. Off‑ball workrate – Chasing kicks, supporting rucks, making linebreaks—even if not scoring, he must influence field position.

Mentorship and adaptability – His humility towards Kolbe and Arendse (“I try to learn as much as I can from them”) shows an openness essential in such a competitive setup (SuperSport).

The verdict: Keith to the next generation?

Edwill van der Merwe’s path has been anything but traditional: late bloomer, Varsity Cup, delayed by injury, then catapulted with a dream debut.

Now, he’s chasing permanence among the likes of Kolbe and Arendse.

But make no mistake—he’s right in the conversation.

With his raw speed, defensive courage, aerial skillset, and professional attitude, he has the toolkit.

The next few Tests—through the Incoming Series and beyond—will shape his fate.

The question is not can he follow in their footsteps, but will he? In the coming weeks, the answer will unfold with every carry, chase, tackle, and linebreak.