Scotland Six Nations star rubs salt in England’s wounds after failing medical
NRLScotland’s Duhan van der Merwe has showcased his commitment to team goals over personal records, even as he stands on the cusp of equaling Stuart Hogg’s record as Scotland’s top try-scorer. Despite his remarkable performance in the recent 30-21 victory over England, including a hat-trick, van der Merwe remains focused on the team’s upcoming matches against Italy and Ireland. He admits the chance of making history is in the back of his mind, but emphasizes that his primary concern is contributing to the team’s success. The 28-year-old winger has scored 26 tries in 37 games for Scotland, and while he acknowledges the significance of possibly achieving a record, he reiterates that his priority is the team’s performance and securing wins.
Van der Merwe’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and dedication. Originally from South Africa, he arrived in Scotland in 2017, overcoming a failed medical due to a hip injury to become a key player for Edinburgh and Scotland. He credits his success to hard work and a desire to give back to Scotland, which he views as a second home.
Despite being on the brink of a significant milestone, van der Merwe’s focus remains firmly on the team’s success, reflecting a selfless attitude and commitment to his teammates.
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Scotland Six Nations star rubs salt in England’s wounds after failing medical
Scotland hat-trick hero Duhan van der Merwe rubbed salt in England’s wounds
By EXPRESS SPORT
08:31, Tue, Feb 27, 2024 | UPDATED: 08:51, Tue, Feb 27, 2024
0
File photo dated 24-02-2024 of Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe scores his side’s third try. Record-chasing Scotland wing Duhan va
Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe scores his side’s third try (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe says team goals are more important than personal records. The 28-year-old is just one try away from matching Stuart Hogg’s record as Scotland’s top try-scorer, after scoring a hat-trick in the recent 30-21 victory over England.
Despite starting this year’s Six Nations as Scotland’s sixth-highest scorer, his five tries in the championship have moved him into second place. If he scores again, he’ll equal Hogg’s record of 27 tries. But the South Africa-born player, who has scored 26 tries in 37 games for Scotland, insists he won’t let the chance to make history distract him from the team’s upcoming matches against Italy and Ireland.
“It’s something I targeted coming into the Six Nations, to see if I could do it (catch Hogg) in the Six Nations,” Van der Merwe said. “I knew it was a big task and there’s obviously still two games left… But the most important thing is the team, it’s not about myself.
“If that means I have to chase box-kicks and not score tries or give the pass to someone else, then so be it. It’s all about the team and us getting the wins. We want to start winning stuff as a team and the next two games are massive for us.”
When asked about the chance of making history at the famous Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Van der Merwe admitted: “It’s probably in the back of my mind, but I wouldn’t say I’m going into the game just thinking about myself and thinking about how I can score as an individual.
Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan van der Merwe is chasing a Scottish record (Andrew Milligan/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“For me, the team is always first. If that means I have to give the pass and not score myself, then I have to do it. If I don’t score but we get the win, I’ll be a happy man.”
Van der Merwe has made quite the impact, becoming the first player to score three times for Scotland in a Calcutta Cup match last Saturday. He’s got an impressive track record against England, with four wins from four games and six tries scored since his debut in the rivalry back in 2021.
“I don’t know what it is, but I obviously love scoring against England so it’s pretty special,” revealed Van der Merwe. “It’s four wins out of four for me in this fixture. What an achievement that is, and it just shows you where this team is going.”
Stuart Hogg
Stuart Hogg is Scotlands current try-scoring record-holder (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
“It’s obviously very special to score a hat-trick for Scotland, even moreso against England, but the most important thing was for the team to get the win.
“I obviously finished off a few opportunities but I’d say I made a few mistakes here and there. I wouldn’t say I was at my best but being a winger, I have to finish off the opportunities I get and luckily I was able to do that.”
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Van der Merwe first came to Scotland in the summer of 2017 when former England player and coach Richard Cockerill signed him for Edinburgh even though he failed a medical due to a longstanding hip injury.
Now in his second stint at Edinburgh after a period at Worcester, the brave back is proud of the high level he has reached with his play since his initial move from Montpellier to Scotland.
Richard Cockerill
Englishman Richard Cockerill brought Duhan Van Der Merwe to Scotland (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
“Richard must be kicking himself, thinking ‘I brought this guy over, now he’s scoring tries against England’,” joked Van der Merwe.
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“I’ve been here (almost) seven years now and I guess when I look back, it’s all about hard work and dedication.
Duhan Van Der Merwe
Duhan Van Der Merwe scored a treble against England on Saturday (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“When I come in on the bus and see all our fans at the stadium, I always think about how I can give back because Scotland has done so much for me.
“I guess the only way I can give back is with my performances. I absolutely love our fans and I love playing for Scotland.”
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