Lions winger Edwill van der Merwe believes that the strong displays by players from the union in Springbok colours will serve as inspiration to their entire roster.

Van Der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Ruan Venter, Quan Horn and Jordan Hendrikse all earned call-ups thanks to their efforts for the side that calls Ellis Park home.

Lions in the hunt for Springbok places

The Lions didn’t get a look-in during the previous World Cup cycle in a lowpoint for a proud union.

“I think probably the number one thing is it will probably inspire our teammates more to know that the Bok coaches are looking at the Lions,” Van Der Merwe said as per the Citizen.

“I think for a long time there might have been a perception that they’re not really looking at the Lions. So now from the Lions group there’s five guys who came through this season, which is quite special.

“I think there’s a big responsibility on us as players to take what we’ve learned at the Springboks back to the Lions and help the (other) guys also achieve their dream of playing for the Springboks, to uplift them and support them in achieving their dream.”

Trickle down learnings

Van der Merwe hopes to put what he has learned with the Springboks to good use at the Lions.

“I learnt to challenge myself a lot more, I thought I was working hard but being in the Springbok environment, the high-performance environment, I now know what is required of me as a wing,” said Van Der Merwe.

“I feel I have a huge responsibility to take what I have learnt at the Springboks back to the Lions and try to create more Springbok teammates from the Lions.”

He added that the Lions are an upbeat group thanks to a competitive showing in the Currie Cup which sees them in second place overall.

“The feeling in the squad is very good and positive. Some of the younger guys are getting opportunities and are grabbing them with both hands, which is the most important thing for the Lions,” Van Der Merwe said.

“The way they are playing is making people proud to be Lions supporters and hopefully they can continue and bring some silverware back to the union.”

Can the Lions win the Currie Cup?

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