Edinburgh to unleash Van der Merwe on Italians
FALTERING Edinburgh are set for a major boost with new signing Duhan van der Merwe set to start against Benetton at home next weekend.
After watching his side record their third successive defeat in the United Rugby Championship, head coach Mike Blair confirmed the Scotland international would train with the team for the first time tomorrow following his move from the now defunct Worcester Warriors.
The British and Irish Lion signed a three-year deal with the capital outfit within hours of him becoming a free agent following the English side’s slide into administration on Wednesday.
With Darcy Graham having to come off with a knee injury in the 22-19 loss at home to the Lions on Friday evening, Van der Merwe would appear to be his obvious replacement despite having not played for the last two weeks.
‘Duhan is just getting his visa stuff sorted and we expect to see him at training on Monday, and then we’ll make the selection on the back of that,’ said Blair.
‘Duhan is a great player and we need him at the club, as you can see how quickly injuries can happen. Darcy’s a bit beaten up in there so we will see how he is. Henry Immelman’s a bit beaten up as well and there are others.’
Blair put on a brave face after three straight league defeats for his team against South African opposition.
They lost 34-18 against the Stormers and 33-31 to the Bulls across in South Africa before Friday’s setback at home to the Lions.
Edinburgh scored three tries of their own through man of the match Bill Mata, Graham and his replacement Ben Muncaster. Argentine
international Emiliano Boffelli kicked two conversions. The game was level with six minutes remaining but Graham was penalised for not releasing and, as he limped off injured, Gianni Lombard kicked the winning penalty.
‘We’ve had two very tough away games against South African opposition where I thought we played well,’ said Blair. ‘We had a game here where we did some good stuff but ultimately were not ruthless enough.
‘We’re going to have to have a look at what we’re doing because we should be capitalising more on that territory we had in the second half against the Lions.
‘There were positives I will take but we need to be better against Benetton as they are a very good side.’