Vermeulen's never-say-die attitude

After the bitter disappointment of missing out on the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, Springbok number 8 Duane is ready to soldier on in the green & gold, with his sights firmly fixed on the Rugby Championship. 

Vermeulen – who is regarded as one of the top number 8s in the world – has recovered from the ankle injury which kept him out of the Lions action. 

 "It was a tough one to miss out. It was the one other bucket-list item that I really wanted to tick off. 

"My injury was a bit more severe than everyone thought and although I hoped to get back on the field for the third Test, I just wasn't ready in time. 

"I had to go to coach Jacques Nienaber and let him know I would have dropped the team if he put me out on the field. 

"It was a tough decision but definitely the correct one at that stage, just to ensure I recovered and could be ready and fit for the next games. 

"But I was fortunate to be part of the squad and next to the field for the final game of the series. 

"The transition after being water boy for a couple of weeks really got me pumped up and now I'm just so looking forward to getting back on the pitch and playing my part within the squad." 

South Africa are currently in quarantine in Australia and are set to meet the Wallabies in Brisbane next weekend and again the weekend after that. 

The performances of young Jasper Wiese at number 8 have been noteworthy and given rise to the question of whether it might be time for Vermeulen to hand over the reins. However, the 35 year-old is not going anywhere just yet, it seems. 

“You’ll keep on pushing for as long as you can until you can’t keep up any more,” he said. 

“I have spoken to Jacques [Nienaber, the Bok coach]. I said I’ll try to give my best and I’ll play my part in the squad. If he sees I’m not pulling my weight or if I’m slacking in any way, where I can’t keep up with the pace of the game, then they need to have a sit-down with me saying, maybe my time has come and gone. Obviously I’m still pushing, trying my best to run out and play alongside my teammates and represent your country the best you can. 

“I’m looking forward to the next couple of challenges and if that pushes me to a next World Cup, then so be it. I’m looking forward to that.” 

With regard to Wiese, Vermeulen had only positive things to say.

“I think I only played one game against him [Wiese], when he still played for the Free State Cheetahs,” he said.

“He had a massive presence on the field and then he went abroad to go play for Leicester.

“He had a fantastic season at Leicester and I am really happy for him to get the call-up to the Boks and get an opportunity to play.

“It’s nice to have someone like him filling your boots.

“He really stepped up and put up his hand.

“I am looking forward to working alongside him and hopefully we can share some tricks and tips.

“He is a fantastic guy and a really hard worker and I am looking forward to seeing how he grows throughout his career.”