The Hollywoodbets Sharks are on the verge of finalizing the signing of Springbok winger Edwill van Der Merwe.

Van Der Merwe’s current club, the Emirates Lions, confirmed on Monday that the winger will not be extending his contract, which expires at the end of the current season.

Adding to the anticipation, the Sharks recently released a social media teaser featuring van Der Merwe scoring a try for the Springboks against Wales in the Qatar Airways Cup at Twickenham last July.

Reports indicate that the Sharks successfully fended off significant overseas interest to secure van Der Merwe’s services from the next season. He was reportedly a target for English Premiership club Sale Sharks, but the 28-year-old has seemingly committed to a deal at Kings Park.

Van Der Merwe’s arrival will bolster an already formidable Springbok-laden backline, which includes Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, and Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse.

Meanwhile, the Sharks suffered a narrow 10-7 defeat to Irish side Leinster in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

The Sharks had an opportunity to draw level late in the game with a penalty, but opted for a lineout. However, Leinster successfully turned over possession, securing the victory.

Sharks coach John Plumtree appeared to attribute the decision to opt for the lineout maul to captain Siya Kolisi, a decision that ultimately proved costly. This defeat has seen the Durban-based side drop to fourth in the league table.

“I don’t like to lose,” Plumtree stated. “I would have preferred to go for the posts and potentially secure a draw. But it was Siya’s decision on the field, and he aimed for the four points, which ultimately cost us more. It’s frustrating that we were held up. The Irish are masters at disrupting play in those moments. It was another missed opportunity.”

When questioned about the decision-making process regarding penalties and lineouts, Plumtree emphasized that players often make those calls based on their on-field instincts.

“It’s not about who makes the decision; it’s about the feeling of the moment,” he explained. “Players often perceive situations differently than coaches in the box. They felt they could replicate Bongi Mbonambi’s try from a maul, which was likely in Siya’s mind. But we failed to execute it. If Siya were to look to the coaches’ box for every decision, it would be a different conversation.”

The Sharks failed to score in the first half, with Leinster taking a five-point lead into the break, and ultimately secured the win.

“We are still in the competition, within the top four,” Plumtree said. “It’s frustrating that we didn’t get the result on Saturday, but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort. We always analyze our accuracy and areas for improvement. The boys gave their all, and Leinster’s squad was impressive.”

The Sharks will now focus on defending their European Challenge Cup title when they travel to face French side Lyon at Matmut Stadium de Gerland on 6 April.

Pic courtesy of Steve Haag Sports