The latest member of the Scrumcap Mafia burst onto the Bok scene against Wales last year, scoring a late try and scooping the Man of the Match award.
Van der Merwe has continued in the same vein in 2025, scoring twice against Italy in Nelson Mandela Bay and twice more the next week against Georgia in Mbombela.
But it's not just his five tries in three starts, it's van der Merwe's work rate around the park that has impressed the Boks' Brains Trust. His tenacious defence and skill under the highball have also been on display.
No Springbok has ever scored in each of their first four matches.
With Don Cheslin Kolbe suffering from an injury niggle, the Kylemore native is starting in the biggest game of his career in the Boks' Rugby Championship opener at the iconic Ellis Park.
"Ellis Park is one of my favourite stadiums next to the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch," the Maties Sports Science graduate told the press on Wednesday.
"My first Test at Ellis Park is very special, and also facing Australia for the first time, which I am looking forward to."
"I don’t think there is any pressure on me to continue scoring tries.
"Scoring a try is a bonus. Playing with the guys next to me who like to move the ball around helps because I like to get the ball in space. May the try-scoring continue."
It was van der Merwe's exploits at the Lions that resulted in his call-up for the Green and Gold. Now, he's accepted a deal with the Springbok-laden Sharks outfit down south. He is looking forward to learning from his experienced teammates in Durban.
"I am very grateful to the Lions for the opportunity they gave me," added the 29-year-old.
"It was the best four years of my career, and it was the best decision I made to move from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
"Moving to Durban is a new challenge and will keep me on my toes. I will be surrounded by teammates, which will help me elevate my game."
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says he'll make subtle adjustments but intends to approach the No 8 role in Saturday's Test against the Wallabies with the strengths that have come to define his game.
Following the withdrawal of prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has brought in a replacement for their clash against Australia.
Captain and lock Scott Barrett returns from injury to lead the All Blacks into the first round of the 2025 Rugby Championship against Argentina in Cordoba on Saturday.
The Springboks take on the Wallabies in the opening round of the Rugby Championship and BokSquad takes a look at some of the matchups that are set to decide the tie.
