'I wasn’t really expecting...' - Glasgow Warriors new boy reveals what has surprised him most

Glasgow Warriors latest South African import says he was pleased with how he performed on debut in Saturday’s 47-27 win away to Sale Sharks.

Ruwald van der Merwe started at number 8 for the visitors as they kicked off their latest Champions Cup campaign with a bonus point victory at the CorpAcq Stadium. The fixture served as an introduction to the 28-year-old for most supporters who may not have followed his career with Currie Cup outfit the Pumas up to this point.

“As soon as I caught that first kick off, the nerves were kind of off and I could just play my game,” the back rower explained. “There wasn't a lot of pressure on me. I think Franco made it clear that he doesn't want me to feel any pressure that I have to do this or I have to do this, just to get out there for the first time and do my thing.”

Ruwald van der Merwe made his Glasgow Warriors debut against Sale Sharks last weekend (Pic courtesy of Glasgow Warriors) | Glasgow Warriors

Ruwald van der Merwe reveals preferred position and why he doesn’t want to be compared to ex Glasgow Warriors star

The Rustenburg native also admitted that he didn’t expect there to be so much emphasis on set pieces given the quality that Warriors have in their backs. However, he is happy with the balance the team has struck this season as the rolling maul continues to be one of their biggest weapons.

“I wasn't really expecting that much emphasis on the balls and set-piece driven,” said van der Merwe. “Especially from a Northern Hemisphere team.

“I did speak to one of my mates at Sale and he also mentioned to me, your backs are so good. I must say it is nice finding that balance between set-piece forwards type of game and the backs taking over and actually finishing scoring in the corners.”

The South African started at number 8 in the match but can also play at flanker. It was that versatility that was part of his attraction to the Warriors coaching team but, like most players who cover multiple positions, he does have a preference.

“I must say I enjoy eight. Six, seven and eight, it's comfortable, all three of them for me. But, if I had a choice, I think I'd probably prefer number eight.”

The 6ft 2in forward arrives at Scotstoun following the exit of Scotland international Jack Dempsey who has been hugely impactful for club and country over the past few seasons before his summer move to Japan. However, van der Merwe was quick to distance himself from trying to fill the shoes of the former Wallaby.

He said: “Obviously, Jack Dempsey is a great player and someone new coming in brings their own spin to the game. So just don't want fans to expect the same blueprint out of a player.

“I do think I'll bring my own type of play and hopefully I can meet the expectations. And you'll have known coming into Glasgow how good the backs were.”

The move to Glasgow comes at a time where the player and his partner have started a family, welcoming their first child last year. He added that, with so many of his teammates also having young children, it has really helped them settle into life in Scotland.

“We've got a 10-month-old daughter, so moving across with a small baby is obviously a big decision. There's a lot of small kids at the club so it's been good. All the girls have also been really welcoming to my wife.”

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