DUHAN’S A TRUE LION AT HEART
HE knows the storm is coming. He can feel the negative charge building in all those minor squalls on social media. Duhan van der Merwe intends to use the gathering tempest as a source of energy. And motivation.
The South Africa-born winger’s selection for the British and Irish Lions, just like his elevation to the Scotland squad, was always going to be a source of some controversy.
It was a subject the player raised himself yesterday in reply to a more general question about the added scrutiny he’s likely to face on tour in his native land.
‘I’ve had a think about that,’ said the man who qualified to play for Scotland through residency before his powerhouse performances in dark blue attracted the attention of Warren Gatland. ‘I’m just going to ignore all those kinds of bits.
‘I’ve just been ignoring all the stuff that people have been saying on social media. I know how I feel in my heart sitting here and representing the Lions — and that’s all that matters.’
Invited to expand on what sort of ‘stuff’ he was talking about, Van der Merwe said: ‘Oh, you get the odd comment.
‘Like: “He’s obviously born in South Africa, he shouldn’t be representing Scotland or the Lions”.
‘I don’t really want to go into detail about that. I just put all that stuff behind me and focus on what I can focus on.’
Asked if the trolls seeking to undermine his efforts actually motivate him to perform instead, the Edinburgh star said simply: ‘Yes it does.’
For a player who came through the Blue Bulls academy system back in South Africa, there’s obviously an element of local boy made good about his return.
Some in his position might relish the opportunity to show off in front of coaches who, for whatever reason, let big Duhan slip away — first to France, with a youth contract at Montpellier, and then Scotland.
Yet the 26-year-old is clearly focusing on savouring every moment of the tour for his own reasons.
‘I obviously left quite early,’ he said. ‘I really started my career here, in Edinburgh. I’m not going to go back and say: “Look, this is what I achieved as a player” like “screw you guys…”.
‘I’m just focusing on myself going back as a Lions player and I’m absolutely buzzing.
‘I left South Africa at the age of 20 and if you’d asked me then: “Do you ever think you’ll represent the British and Irish Lions on a tour to South Africa?”, I would probably have said no.
‘I’m absolutely buzzing being involved and I’m looking forward to going there and representing the Lions.
‘All my friends are very excited to watch the games live on television, and my family is backing me, which is the most important thing for me.’
On what specific insight he might bring when analysing the South African mindset, Van der Merwe grinned as he said: ‘A lot of us know what kind of game plan they’re going to try and bring.
‘They’re big men, physical men. They haven’t played for two years, so who knows what they’re going to bring?
‘But I speak Afrikaans so, if I hear something on the field, I’ll feed it back to the boys!’
Today’s home test against Japan at BT Murrayfield, a rarity of a fixture in this year of doing everything differently, represents a chance for any number of players to impress the coaching staff.
It will also feel like a major career step for those who have never pulled on the famous red jersey before.
Growing up in the Western Cape town of George, a young Van der Merwe learned all about the history and mystique of the Lions, as he explained yesterday.
‘We would always say that was the highest of highs you can achieve as a rugby player,’ he said. ‘Sitting here, with all the players, I never thought I would sit here. I’m very excited to play and get my first start and represent the Lions — and play in front of fans.
‘When Gats (head coach Gatland) announced the squad on Tuesday, I was quite shocked, a little bit stressed. But as the week went by I got more confident.
‘We had our captain’s run this morning and, from now on, I’m just getting the head away from rugby. Then tomorrow when I get up, switch on.
‘It’s been a very long time since we played in front of fans. I don’t even know what it’s going to feel like, to be honest.
‘I’ve obviously played for Edinburgh for four years at BT Murrayfield so, hopefully, the Scottish supporters will support me. I haven’t played in front of Scottish supporters since I made my Test debut. I’m looking forward to it.’
The Scots in the match-day 23 — Van der Merwe and Rory Sutherland both start while Ali Price is on the bench — will be eager to catch the eye of all involved in selecting that first Test XV.
They’re already feeling at home thanks to the involvement of Gregor Townsend and Steve Tandy on the coaching staff.
‘Obviously, it makes it a little bit easier for me, knowing how Gregor wants to play and how Steve’s defensive system works,’ said Van der Merwe.
‘I get my first start this week, as do other boys, and it is about putting your hand up for that Test spot.’