Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has hailed the impact of ‘breakdown specialist’ Richie Gray ahead of the second Test against Wales in Nelspruit this coming weekend.
South Africa comfortably defeated the Welsh in the first Test in Durban this past Saturday and while fullback Willie le Roux won the Man of the Match award for his superb attacking display, the quick recycling of the ball from the breakdown was the key factor that enabled him to shine.
In this regard, Vermeulen, who will be returning to the city where he grew up, paid tribute to the Scottish specialist who was first brought into the Bok setup a year ago.
“We worked very hard on the breakdown last week, and Richie Gray has made a massive impact, his contribution has been really important,” said Vermeulen.
“Richie sat down with us and worked out the way we should present the ball to our No 9 and to the cleaners, meaning the first and second arrival.
“It still wasn’t perfect and we will need to work on it more. It definitely remains one of the things that requires attention building up to the second Test.
“As a pack we were great in the first half at Kings Park and we set a good platform. But in the second half the Welsh were very effective in spoiling our ball and that is something we are going to have to be aware of and find a way of getting around because they are sure to take the same mindset onto the field in this game.”
