Is Van der Merwe Ready to Prove Himself After His Scotland Wilderness Adventure?

Duhan van der Merwe's return to the Scotland squad signals a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to face Wales in the Six Nations. After a challenging period marked by injuries and missed opportunities, he aims to reclaim his place as a vital scorer for Scotland. His unique combination of speed, power, and scoring ability positions him as a significant threat for the upcoming match against a Welsh side that has struggled defensively.

Last updated: 19 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland's record try-scorer, has been named in the starting lineup for the upcoming Six Nations match against Wales. This decision reflects coach Gregor Townsend's strategy to bolster the team's attacking options after a series of disappointing performances. Van der Merwe’s return comes at a crucial time, particularly given Wales' struggles in defence, making him a key figure in Scotland's quest for victory.

Key takeaways

Duhan van der Merwe returns to the Scotland squad after a challenging period marked by injuries and competition.
He is Scotland's all-time leading try-scorer, with an impressive 0.67 tries per match in Test rugby.
The upcoming match against Wales presents a significant opportunity for Van der Merwe to showcase his skills.

Timeline: how we got here

In the lead-up to the Six Nations, Duhan van der Merwe's career has been a mix of highs and lows:

March 2025: Last started in a significant Test against France.
November 2025: Omitted from the squad for the high-profile match against the All Blacks.
February 2026: Named in the starting lineup for the Six Nations clash against Wales.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Van der Merwe’s return to the squad marks a fresh chapter in his career, as he aims to uplift a Scottish side that has been underwhelming in recent outings. His performance against Wales could be crucial, especially given their recent defensive woes.

What was already established

Van der Merwe has a proven track record, being Scotland's leading try-scorer with 35 tries in 52 matches. His scoring ability has been a significant asset, particularly when playing alongside Finn Russell, who enhances his chances of scoring through creative play.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rugby landscape continues to captivate UK audiences, especially during the Six Nations. A strong performance from Van der Merwe could reignite fan interest and support for the Scottish team, impacting ticket sales and viewership for upcoming matches.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly in Edinburgh, may benefit from increased foot traffic as fans gather to support Scotland. Successful performances can boost merchandise sales and local hospitality industries, particularly if Scotland progresses further in the tournament.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Rugby Union's decisions regarding player selection are vital for maintaining team performance. Their focus on integrating players like Van der Merwe into the squad illustrates a commitment to building a competitive team in international rugby.

Numbers that matter

35: Total tries scored by Van der Merwe for Scotland, making him the all-time leading scorer.
0.67: Average tries per match in Test rugby, highlighting his scoring efficiency.
7: Six Nations tries scored against England, a record he held until recently overtaken by Huw Jones.

Definitions and jargon buster

Try: A method of scoring in rugby, worth five points when the ball is grounded in the opponent's in-goal area.
Test rugby: International matches played between national teams.
Six Nations: An annual rugby union competition involving England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following his return, Van der Merwe will need to quickly adapt and perform at a high level to secure his spot in the starting lineup for upcoming matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If he regains form, Van der Merwe could play a crucial role in Scotland’s campaign, potentially impacting selections for future international fixtures and tours.

Signals to watch

Scotland’s performance against Wales and subsequent matches in the Six Nations.
Van der Merwe’s individual scoring statistics and overall impact on games.
Injury reports and competition from other players in his position.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch Van der Merwe’s movements and positioning during the match to gauge his effectiveness.
Follow updates from the Scotland Rugby Union regarding player health and selection.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of Van der Merwe on the game; his potential to change the outcome is significant.
Ignore the context of Wales' defensive struggles when assessing match predictions.

Checklist

Review Van der Merwe’s past performances against Wales.
Consider the tactical approaches both teams may adopt in the match.
Stay updated on player injury news leading up to the game.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite his return, Van der Merwe's effectiveness can be influenced by various factors, including team dynamics, tactical approaches from the coaching staff, and the performance of his teammates. The unpredictability of sports means that while he may be a key player, outcomes can vary widely from match to match.

Bottom line

Duhan van der Merwe's comeback to the Scotland squad represents a significant opportunity for both him and the team. His ability to score tries and disrupt opposition defences could be pivotal as Scotland looks to build momentum in the Six Nations. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching for his performance against Wales, which could define his role in the squad moving forward.

FAQs

What impact will Duhan van der Merwe's return have on Scotland's chances?

His return is likely to enhance Scotland’s attacking options, potentially improving their scoring opportunities against teams with defensive vulnerabilities like Wales.

How has Van der Merwe's recent form affected his selection?

Injuries and competition for places led to his omission in previous matches, but his return suggests he has regained form and confidence.

What are Van der Merwe's strengths as a player?

He is known for his speed, power, and exceptional finishing ability, making him a significant threat in the attacking line.