It\u2019s been a huge year for\u00a0Edwill van der Merwe.<\/p>\n
The Springbok wing\u00a0returned home to South Africa\u00a0for the birth of his child\u2014life changing off the field.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n On the field, he\u2019s still a\u00a0try-scoring machine. As\u00a0SARugbyMag<\/a>\u00a0reported:<\/p>\n \u201cErasmus must still decide whether to summon Edwill van der Merwe, who returned to South Africa for the birth of his child.\u201d<\/p>\n With\u00a0Kurt-Lee Arendse\u00a0out with concussion and\u00a0Makazole Mapimpi\u00a0suspended, coach\u00a0Rassie Erasmus\u00a0could call Van der Merwe back into the squad.<\/p>\n The Springboks face\u00a0Wales\u00a0at\u00a0Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on\u00a0Saturday, 29 November. Kick-off is\u00a017:10 SA time.<\/p>\n In just weeks, Van der Merwe could go from\u00a0new dad to international flyer, rounding out an unforgettable 2025.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW:<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how the Rugby World Cup groups are likely to look based on current rankings.<\/p>\n South Africa<\/p>\n South Africa are four-time Rugby World Cup champions (1995, 2007, 2019, 2023) and stand as one of the sport\u2019s most dominant forces. Their combination of physicality, tactical kicking, and disciplined game management has made them a consistent powerhouse.<\/p>\n The Springboks are known for producing world-class forwards and strategic play, and they often enter tournaments as pre-tournament favourites.<\/p>\n Australia<\/p>\n Australia have won the Rugby World Cup twice (1991, 1999) and have a long history of competitive success. They are renowned for skillful backline play, tactical kicking, and adaptability in high-pressure situations.<\/p>\n Although recent campaigns have been inconsistent, the Wallabies remain a team capable of shocking even the strongest opponents.<\/p>\n Georgia<\/p>\n Georgia has competed in every Rugby World Cup since 2003, gaining a reputation for strong forwards and a resilient pack. They are often in the lower half of their pool but have gradually improved against higher-ranked nations.<\/p>\n The Lelos\u2019 physical and uncompromising style has earned them respect and growing recognition in international rugby.<\/p>\n Samoa<\/p>\n Samoa has a proud history in the Rugby World Cup, highlighted by quarterfinal appearances in 1991 and 1995. Known for their flair, physicality, and fearless counterattacking, they can trouble any opponent on their day.<\/p>\n Pool A Storyline:\u00a0Will South Africa\u2019s experience and strength continue their dominance, or will an underdog like Samoa or Georgia pull off a shock upset?<\/p>\n New Zealand<\/p>\n New Zealand are three-time Rugby World Cup champions (1987, 2011, 2015) and are considered one of the greatest rugby teams in history. Their combination of speed, skill, and tactical intelligence has set the global benchmark.<\/p>\n The All Blacks are perennial favourites, consistently challenging for titles and producing some of the sport\u2019s most memorable moments.<\/p>\n Fiji<\/p>\n Fiji is known for its electrifying attacking rugby and offloading brilliance. They have reached the quarterfinal stage twice (1987, 2023) and remain one of the most unpredictable and entertaining teams.<\/p>\n Their flair and unpredictability make Fiji capable of upsetting even the strongest nations on any given day.<\/p>\n Spain<\/p>\n Spain is making its Rugby World Cup debut, emerging as one of Europe\u2019s fastest-growing rugby nations. While inexperienced at this level, they have shown strong technical ability and determination in qualifying tournaments.<\/p>\n Spain\u2019s entry marks a new chapter in European rugby, and they are eager to announce themselves on the global stage.<\/p>\n Portugal<\/p>\n Portugal has qualified for the Rugby World Cup on a few occasions, bringing passion, grit, and an underdog mentality. Their team is known for fighting spirit and physical commitment.<\/p>\n Pool B Storyline:\u00a0Can Fiji\u2019s flair and unpredictability disrupt the established powerhouses, or will New Zealand assert their dominance as expected?<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n