Numbers game has plus factor for Flip
AS the Springbok lineout kingpin and someone who outside rugby has roots in the financial sector, lock Flip van der Merwe clearly has a thing for numbers.
Asked if his background in that industry helps him with lineout calls, Van der Merwe said: “I can’t say the finance helps me much in the lineouts, but playing well helps me with the finance.”
It is that kind of clarity of thought the Springboks may have to bank on when they take on Scotland in the second test of their European tour at Murrayfield this afternoon.
For various reasons their biggest challenge remains confrontations with New Zealand, but they also have to rise to the occasion and summon will and energy against more impoverished international teams.
“We can get up for a game against Scotland,” Van der Merwe assured. “When you put on a Bok jersey you still strive to play the perfect game of rugby, whether it is against New Zealand or Scotland.
“That’s what could happen,” he said when reminded of the last Bok defeat here in 2010. “We had a star-studded line-up and lost. If you’re not up for it you are going to get a hiding.”
There is not much difference between five and four. It is not a burden but an opportunity
Of course remaining unbeaten is the primary objective of coach Heyneke Meyer in the three-test tour, but he also has the opportunity to widen his pool of players who could potentially travel to the World Cup in 2015.
To that end, Meyer is weighing up his options and Van der Merwe, who played most of his senior rugby at the front of the lineout wearing No 4, has moved to the middle at No 5.
He, however, doesn’t see it as a big deal. “There is not much difference between five and four. It’s just a number on your back. It is not a burden but an opportunity. You can explore a different part of your game. If you’re just running with the ball it can get a little boring.”
While he clearly has an important role, the focus will undoubtedly fall on his second-row partner, the returning Bakkies Botha.
It’s Botha’s first appearance in the green and gold since running out against Namibia in the 2011 World Cup.
Van der Merwe sported a wide grin when asked about locking the second row with one of his heroes.
“He’s got a presence. When he walks into a room you know he’s there. I grew up idolising him and Victor [Matfield] and now I’m playing with them.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him in the green and gold. You can see he missed it and he’s embracing it. He’s in the form of his life. It’s going to be fun seeing him run on to Murrayfield and hitting a few rucks again.”