Duane Vermeulen posts picture pre-ankle surgery: Heal fast, Thor!

Veteran Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has posted an Instagram story pre-surgery on his left ankle on Wednesday.

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Vermeulen, who will turn 35 on 3 July, was helped from the field during the Bulls’ 31-27 Rainbow Cup SA win over the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last Friday.

Post-match, pictures surfaced of his heavily-strapped left ankle, leaving SA rugby fans concerned over his participation in the upcoming British & Irish Lions series.

PICTURE | DUANE VERMEULEN’S ANKLE – EINA!

The 54-Test star travelled to Cape Town to consult a specialist.

While no time frame for his return to action has been provided by SA Rugby or the Bulls, Vermeulen is in a race against the clock to be fit for selection for the much-anticipated British & Irish Lions series.

The first Test of that series is scheduled for Saturday, 24 July – exactly 45 days away – at the Cape Town Stadium.

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The Springboks have cover in their 46-man squad at No 8 in the form of Jasper Wiese and Dan du Preez, but neither of those two boast the experience of 2019 Rugby World Cup winner – and man of the match in the final – Vermeulen.

Vermeulen’s absence could see newly-signed Bulls loose forward Marcell Coetzee drafted into the squad.

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