Van der Merwe has been out of action since before last year’s disastrous Currie Cup semi-final against the Pumas in Bloemfontein, and this has spelt a nine month stint away from the game.

The Cheetahs Player of the Year is fully fit and ready for selection for this week’s Currie Cup opener against the Griquas in Kimberley. He has however had no game time, as they Cheetahs did not want to take a risk with him in their warm-up games against the Griffons and the Sharks.

Van der Merwe told OFM Sport that he is just itching to get out onto the park.

“I'm very very excited to be up for selection,” said the flanker with a big engine.”

“It's been a long time next to the side-line, and I'm very keen and very excited to able to play.

“I'm excited for the first game as the Griquas is always a nice derby and a nice start to the Currie Cup. For me personally as well.

“Kimberley is a hard trip and a hard game to go and win.  We are definitely going into the game as the underdogs, but we know what we need to do.”

In addition to Van der Merwe’s return to the field, the two-time World Cup winner, Frans Steyn, is also set to play after he sustained an injury against Pau in France in round one of the European Challenge Cup in December.

Hawies Fourie will name his squad for the game against the Peacock Blues in Thursday.

Friday’s central derby between the Griquas and Cheetahs in Kimberley kicks off at 16:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport