Van der Merwe relishing Rainbow nation reunion

LEINSTER’S latest South African prop seems to be settling in well to his new surroundings in the Irish capital, and Heinke van der Merwe should feel equally at home in Wembley on Saturday.

Facing him will be a Saracens side that has been tagged ‘SArries’ and London Cape Town such is the Springbok influence that courses through the club from its investors, administration offices, management team and coaching staff.

Five South African born players started in France against Clermont Auvergne last week and van der Merwe and compatriot Richardt Strauss may well come face to face with two of them — prop Deon Carstens and hooker Schalk Brits — in three days’ time.