Flip van der Merwe
Flip van der Merwe is 1 South African who might have a point to prove when he takes to the field in a World XV jersey against the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday.
The towering lock is not in Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer’s preliminary Rugby World Cup squad, and the coach went on record in May announcing that Van der Merwe was unavailable for international rugby.
After that it was reported that a ‘contract dispute’ may be the reason behind the drama, but Van der Merwe revealed in Cape Town on Thursday that there had been communication issues surrounding his availability.
“I’m not selected, it’s as easy as that,” Van der Merwe, who has been named on the World XV bench for Saturday, said.
“There is a communication gap somewhere but maybe after Saturday, Heyneke said the door is open for everyone, so if we’re good enough we get selected.”
There is no experienced cover at lock for the Boks on Saturday, and it instead comes in the form of loose forward Oupa Mohoje.
But Van der Merwe would not be drawn into saying that the Boks lacked experience in the position.
“Oupa has go enough talent to play anywhere. He’s a good rugby player so as with any team there are a couple of injuries but I think they’ve got enough talent in the group to sort that out,” said the 30-year-old.
Sport24