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Duane Vermeulen has plenty to add to a Springboks team high on confidence.
The challenge ahead of the All Blacks forwards just got bigger with Springboks man-mountain Duane Vermeulen fit-again and in serious selection consideration for the second test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
No 8 Vermeulen had knee surgery after the United Rugby Championship, missing the three July tests against Wales and the impressive 26-10 win over New Zealand in Mbombela last weekend.
Springboks forwards coach Deon Davids confirmed Vermeulen was back in the frame and strongly hinted the world champions would use his talents to try to sweep the All Blacks and take a firm grip on the 2022 Rugby Championship race.
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At 1.93m and 120kg Vermeulen brings real presence. He has also packed in 61 tests for the Boks, including a man-of-the-match performance in the 2019 World Cup final win over England.
“Duane is ready for selection, so he will be coming into contention for this week,” Davids said with Vermeulen likely to replace Jasper Wiese.
“Duane is a quality player and a quality person off the field. His inputs and experience from him mean a lot for the team. To know that, in such intense games, you can use a guy of his experience from him means a lot.
“It will be good to see a player of his quality back in action, and if it is against the All Blacks this weekend it will be so much better in terms of our journey forward. But we will have to wait and see if he is selected.
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Duane Vermeulen has always proven a handful for the All Blacks.
“His experience in different areas on the field means the world to the team and a big part of this team is built around leadership and experience of that leadership. His knowledge and experience from him means a lot. Knowing you can fall back on him-a player of his caliber, means a lot.
The Springboks are unlikely to call up a replacement for concussed halfback Faf de Klerk who was forced off just a minute into last Sunday’s win. Jaden Hendrikse stepped up well off the bench.
But South Africa have brought in young uncapped Bulls utility Canan Moodie as backline cover following the suspension of winger Kurt-Lee Arendse. Moodie can play wing or fullback.