Springbok no. 526 · Tight-head Prop
Flippie van der Merwe
Phillip Rudolph van der Merwe · SWD, W-Tvl, Griquas
6Tests
0Tries
1Tours
24Age at debut
Test career
198119851989
First test
29 Aug 1981, age 24 · Tight-head Prop v New Zealand, Athletic Park, Wellington
Last test
26 Aug 1989, age 32 · Tight-head Prop v World Invitation, Newlands, Cape Town
Biography
Flippie van der Merwe was a huge tight-head prop who played six Tests between 1981 and 1989. Born in Dibeng in the Kalahari on 8 July 1957, he played for South Western Districts, Western Transvaal and Griqualand West. He made his debut in the 24–12 win over New Zealand in Wellington and later played against the 1986 Cavaliers. He returned to farm cattle in the Kalahari.
Test history
6 tests · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 1981 |  New Zealand | Athletic Park, Wellington | Tight-head Prop | W 24–12 | SWD |
| 12 Sep 1981 | New Zealand | Eden Park, Auckland | Tight-head Prop | L 22–25 | SWD |
| 25 Sep 1981 |  USA | Owl Creek Polo ground, Glenville, NY | Tight-head Prop | W 38–7 | SWD |
| 10 May 1986 |  NZ Cavaliers | Newlands, Cape Town | Tight-head Prop | W 21–15 | W-Tvl |
| 17 May 1986 | NZ Cavaliers | Kings Park, Durban | Tight-head Prop | L 18–19 | W-Tvl |
| 26 Aug 1989 | World Invitation | Newlands, Cape Town | Tight-head Prop | W 20–19 | Griquas |