Springboks Eye Marnus van der Merwe to Fill Crucial Hooker Role

For years, the Springboks have struggled to find a consistent third-choice hooker to support the well-established duo of Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi. That gap might finally be filled. Marnus van der Merwe is stepping into the spotlight as the next potential long-term option in the role.

Since the lead-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Bok setup has heavily relied on Marx and Mbonambi. They are two of the most dependable hookers globally, making their partnership thrive. Yet, the search for a suitable understudy has been ongoing.

Patchwork Solutions in Recent Years

At the 2019 World Cup, veteran Schalk Brits was roped in as a backup option at the age of 38. He brought experience but not necessarily a long-term solution. Over the following years, several players were rotated in and out of the training camps — including Scarra Ntubeni, Johan Grobbelaar, and Fez Mbatha. However, few received meaningful game time. Joseph Dweba at one stage looked set to take over. Unfortunately, he failed to lock down the role.

In a surprise move in 2022, the Springbok coaching staff turned to Deon Fourie. Despite having primarily played as a loose forward, Fourie transitioned back into the hooker role after he earned his Bok debut at the age of 35. He even played a vital role in the 2023 World Cup final and replaced the injured Mbonambi, and played nearly the entire match.

New Faces and Fresh Hope

Last year saw Grobbelaar finally earn his first cap. Additionally, Jan-Hendrik Wessels joined the camp, though his future appears to lie more in the front row as a prop. Andre-Hugo Venter also made a brief appearance in green and gold against Portugal. However, none have yet proven themselves to be the long-term third option.

Now, with Van der Merwe emerging from a stellar United Rugby Championship season with the Scarlets, the Springbok selectors have turned their attention to the 28-year-old. He’s been included in the squad to face the Barbarians this Saturday in Cape Town. He will come off the bench — his first real chance to prove he belongs in the national setup.

A Humble and Hungry Attitude

Speaking during a Springbok media session, Van der Merwe expressed his gratitude and determination. “It’s a massive honour. I’ve prayed about this every day,” he said. “Bongi and Malcolm have been brilliant mentors. I think I asked Bongi about 20 questions on day one.”

He emphasised the intensity of the environment, saying, “Getting here is hard, but staying here is even tougher. I’m going to give it everything I have.”

Marnus van der Merwe Journey from Cheetahs to Wales

Van der Merwe began his professional career with the Cheetahs back in 2017. He became a key figure at the Bloemfontein-based franchise. In search of new challenges and international exposure, he took a leap and joined Welsh side Scarlets in 2023.

His move to Europe was driven by his dream of becoming a Springbok. While he expected it to take at least two years, his outstanding performances fast-tracked his selection. “It’s happened quicker than I thought,” he admitted. “I told my wife it was a two-year plan, and we’d reassess if nothing came of it. Now everything’s moved up.”

He credited the Scarlets for their support in making his national aspirations a reality. “They understood my goals and helped me achieve them. I’m really thankful.”

Ready for the Big Stage

Van der Merwe now stands at a career-defining crossroads. With Grobbelaar and Venter currently overlooked and Wessels shifting positions, the door is wide open. Saturday’s match in Cape Town will offer the Scarlets man a golden platform to stake his claim.

If he performs well, he may finally bring stability to a position that has long lacked a dependable third option. For the Springboks, finding that reliability could prove critical in building depth for the future. For Van der Merwe, it’s a dream he’s determined not to let slip.