New Springbok prop Carel van der Merwe is one player who is glad that rugby has become more expansive in recent years.

Van der Merwe, 29, played club rugby in the Western Province for six years before moving to Boland to get a chance to play at a higher level. The prop was named as part of Harry Viljoen's Springbok squad for the tour to Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Although he moved to Boland at the start of the 1998 season, it was only when he linked up with new coach Rudy Joubert at the start of this year that his career really took off.

"I definitely played my best rugby this year and Boland's pattern of keeping the ball in hand plays to my strengths," he said.

The Beaufort West-born player's other major strength is his ability to play on both sides of the scrum.

"Loose-head is my specialist position, but I've spoken to Rudy (Joubert) and I am going to play tighthead next season. After all, there are more opportunities on that side of the scrum in South Africa."

Viljoen's call-up came at just the right time for the Bolander. He received a lucrative offer from Cardiff a month ago and a lot of thought went into his decision to stay in South Africa. "I gave myself one more season in South Africa to see if I can play in the Super 12 and from there, make it to the Bok team.

"It is amazing that my dream comes true only a few weeks later," he said.

Van der Merwe spent six years playing in Cape Town before getting his break. "I moved to Western Province in 1992 and played for the WP under-21s, the Disas, the B-team and the Presidents' team, but the closest I ever came to the Currie Cup was as part of Harry Viljoen's squad in 1997.

"But when he left early the next season, I went back to playing club rugby for Villagers."

At the end of 1997, Van der Merwe went to France to play second division rugby and turned down an offer from Border. "My family and my girlfriend are in Cape Town and I did not really want to leave to go and sit in East London."

He still can't believe his selection into the Springbok squad of 40. "I have this feeling of nervous joy inside me and that will probably stay until I don the jersey for the first time and play."

Whatever happens on the field, though, there are few players in the modern game who have paid their dues like Carel van der Merwe.