Flying wing Edwill van der Merwe has targeted a return to the Springbok side in 2025 but admits he needs to turn it on for the Lions to make that a reality.

Van der Merwe was a star for the Boks as they thumped Wales 41-13 in June, scoring on debut before an injury sidelined the 28-year-old.

He was then not selected for the Autumn international series in November, and is desperate to impress coach Rassie Erasmus as the Lions prepare to face French Top 14 side Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup.

“I want to get back into the Bok group. I would love to play more games for the Springboks,” he said. “That is where my focus is and I know the only way I am going to achieve that, is to constantly play well for the Lions, to be a good team man. So that is my New Year’s resolution.”

The Lions have a win and a defeat in their two Challenge Cup game so far, and come up against a Montpellier side that are top of their group with two victories.

“We’ve done our analysis and they’re quite a physical team with big forwards. They’re a team that likes attacking so we’re expecting a running game from them,” Van der Merwe said.

“They’re also well balanced with their kicking game as well, a well-rounded team with good coaches so it’ll be quite a challenge for us.

“They’ve got plenty of internationals and with those types of players, they know how to play in the right areas and manage the game.

“For us, it’s about getting back to winning ways. We’re excited, and as a South African team, we pride ourselves on our physicality so we won’t just go there to match them but dominate every facet of the game.”