The Springbok team to face Tonga in Marseille. Photo: @Springboks / X.
Springboks’ best is yet to come — Vermeulen
Duane Vermeulen says the Springboks are not yet playing to their full potential at the World Cup and that their best rugby is still ahead of them.
The Springbok team to face Tonga in Marseille. Photo: @Springboks / X.
Veteran No 8 Duane Vermeulen believes the Springboks are not yet firing on all cylinders at this year’s Rugby World Cup and says South Africa still have a lot left to showcase in the global spectacle.
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The Springboks have conceded the fewest tries so far at the World Cup (one) and scored the fourth-most tries at the tournament (15). Those came in their three Pool B encounters against Scotland (18-3), Romania (76-0) and Ireland (8-13).
Those are seriously impressive numbers, especially considering that Pool B is regarded at the 2023 Rugby World Cup’s pool of death.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
But according to Vermeulen, who will pack down at flanker this weekend in a loose trio with skipper Siya Kolisi and No 8 Jasper Wiese, the Springboks’ best playing days at the tournament are still ahead of them.
“I’d like to say no (we haven’t played some of our best rugby until now),” said Vermeulen.
“If you look at our match against Ireland, it was one of the best pool games. But I certainly think we have a lot left in the tank,” he said of the Springboks World Cup campaign.
“There are still a few things we have to work on, and we have to get that right this weekend and going forward because there are no second chances. So, hopefully we can put in a good performance this weekend.”
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SPRINGBOKS V TONGA TEAMS
Springboks — 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Grant Williams, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Siya Kolisi (Captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jesse Kriel, 23 Manie Libbok.
Tonga — 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Fine Inisi, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Anzelo Tuitavuki, 10 William Havili, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Paea, 7 Sione Talitui, 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna (captain), 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Subs: 16 Sam Moli, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 Sosefo Apikotoa, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Sione Vailanu, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
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