‘Pick me, pick me,’ pleads Duane Vermeulen
The veteran No 8 was overlooked for the Springboks' tour to Europe but that doesn't mean he's sulking much.
Duane Vermeulen. Photo: Luke Walker/Gallo Images.
Despite national coach Allister Coetzee’s reservations over his fitness, Duane Vermeulen insists he’s ready to be called up to the Springbok squad again.
The 31-year-old eighthman, who was one of key players under Heyneke Meyer between 2012 and 2015, has struggled with injuries the past two years.
Yet with South Africa’s depth at loose forward being severely tested, many believe Vermeulen should be included for his experience.
He’s certainly ready for such a challenge.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not at my absolute best after two games. But can I contribute to the Boks? I’m confident that I can add value in a side that is pretty thin in the back row at the moment,” Vermeulen told SARugbymag.co.za.
“I want to get back into the mix as soon as possible. I’m ready and willing. If I don’t get the call on this tour, then I will keep working to become the best version of myself.”
Ironically, had Vermeulen been included he would’ve been the only specialist No 8 in the squad.
22-year-old Dan du Preez has been establishing himself in the position at the Sharks this year but hasn’t made his international debut yet.
Since regular skipper Warren Whiteley’s injury at the end of the series against France, Coetzee has used Uzair Cassiem, Jean-Luc du Preez and Francois Louw in the No 8 jersey.
None of those three specialise there.
“I will play tighthead prop if they need me to, but my goal is to push for that No 8 position and to compete against guys like (England’s) Billy Vunipola and (All Black captain) Kieran Read on the Test stage. I’m going back to South Africa for a few days now, but I will be ready if I am called up. If there is another injury and they need someone, perhaps I can step in,” said Vermeulen.
The Mbombela native did probably make it more difficult for himself to get back into the national fold when he criticised South African rugby towards the end of last year’s horror campaign.
Vermeulen – justifiable to big extent – said local rugby is “chaos and agendas”.
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