Van Heerden is one of four debutants in the starting XV, along with Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), Carlu Sadie (prop) and Jaco Williams (wing), as coach Rassie Erasmus looks to broaden his player base a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“I don’t really know how to describe it,” Van Heerden said. “It’s been a whirlwind of a ride since I got the call to join the Springboks. At this stage, I’m not really too nervous, although perhaps the nerves will come, but I’m very excited for Saturday.
“Everyone walks a different path and has a different journey, so I’m trying not to overthink anything. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and hoping to make the most of it when it comes.”
The 28-year-old may be a late starter in the Springbok jersey, but he says he never lost hope of a call-up.
“It has probably always been more of a goal,” he said. “As Malcolm (Marx) said, it’s a big privilege, so it’s a matter of trying to do your best and control the controllables. If it happens, it happens, and in this case it’s happening for me now, and I’m very grateful for it.”
The team is a blend of experience and players making their debuts on Saturday, and Van Heerden says having others also playing their first games in the green and gold takes some of the pressure off.
“It’s exciting playing alongside some of the double World Cup winners and then having three other guys making their debuts as well,” he said.
“You know you’re not the only one, which is comforting. When I’m on the field on Saturday and I look around me and see someone in the same position as I’m in, and at the same time get to draw inspiration from guys who have been there and done it, it makes it an occasion to look forward to.”