Coetzee calls up Duane Vermeulen for France Test

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has called on the services of experienced loose forward, Duane Vermeulen as replacement to injured prop Coenie Oosthuizen.

Oosthuizen limped off with a knee injury in the very first minute of the Boks’ humiliating 38-3 defeat to Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. He faces an extended period of inaction as a scan revealed that he sustained medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament and will recover surgery, forcing him out of the game for a bit.

Toulon-based Vermeulen is set to join up with the rest of the squad on Monday at their base in Paris as they prepare to face France on Saturday. The 31-year old has represented South Africa 37 times as he was largely overlooked in the early stages of his career. His last cap was in June 2016 against Ireland at Ellis Park.

It has also been confirmed that utility forward Peter-Steph du Toit is set to sit out Saturday’s Test due to a concussion suffered against Ireland. He was forced off the field in the closing moments after hitting his head and failing a concussion test.

Coetzee, along with his players came under fire following Saturday’s dismal display, and things look more ominous for the man in the helm as there have been reports that his days as Bok coach may be numbered.

Saturday’s defeat was the Bok’s third one this year, having lost twice to New Zealand, with the first loss being the humiliating 57-0 they suffered in Albany. They looked to have restored some of their dignity with a solid performance against the same opponents when they narrowly lost 25-24, thanks to a late sending off to centre Damian de Allende.

The next face a French side also reeling from defeat after they went down 18-38 to the All Blacks on Saturday.

Also read: ‘No positives to take from Ireland defeat’-Coetzee