Utility back David Kriel said the Vodacom Bulls will pay “special attention” to Edinburgh winger Duhan van der Merwe when the teams clash on Friday night.
The Bulls face the Scottish outfit in round 5 of the Vodacom URC at the Hive Stadium. Jake White’s charges climbed into first place on the standings with an 18-12 victory against Cardiff last week, while Edinburgh edged Connacht 25-22 at home.
It is at Edinburgh that Van der Merwe has grown to become one of the most powerful and lethal wingers in world rugby, and what makes the SA-born Scotland international so special to watch is that he is a wild card.
The 28-year-old is picked not to chase a high ball or dictate defensive patterns from out wide, but for those moments of brilliance that the best defensive system can’t compete with, and when on the charge he strikes fear into the opposition.
Speaking in a Bulls conference on Tuesday, Kriel addressed the challenge posed by Edinburgh as well as the impact of Van der Merwe, whose older brother Akker is on the opposing side.
“A couple of the guys went to watch their game against Connacht this past weekend and it wasn’t as wet as what we thought it would be, but it was very cold,” he told reporters.
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“It was a very kick-dominated game, with a lot of contestables, so we’re expecting a good, strong kicking game from them. But they’ve also got a couple of running threats in Duhan van der Merwe and Wes Goosen so we’ll keep an eye on that.
“Duhan van der Merwe is a big threat that we have to keep an eye on, so you can label it as ‘special attention’.
“He’s not like every other wing; he’s big, strong, and showed what he can do on the international stage.”
Kriel, who plays wing, fullback and centre, has scored four tries from as many starts this season – including a hat-trick against Zebre Parma – and is relishing his current role in midfield.
“It’s been quite a while that I’ve covered a few positions. I must say that I’m enjoying 12 and 13 … I feel at home at centre,” the 24-year-old said.
“I’m also quite comfortable at 15, growing up I played 15 all through high school. At the moment, my preference is centre.
“Obviously I’m not the biggest 12 out there [but] when reflecting on my game and my strong points, maybe mine isn’t bashing over a guy but using my feet better.
“It’s all about knowing what type of player I am, what I’m good at and what’s more weaknesses that I should stay away from, but in the same breath improving on my weaknesses.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images