Springboks: Three players in line to replace Duane Vermeulen

The mighty ‘Thor‘ has struck his hammer down for the final time for the Springboks. These are three players who could attempt to fill his boots.

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Talk about having big boots to fill – figuratively and literally. Vermeulen is a Springboks and SA Rugby legend in every sense of the word. He deservedly ended his career with a second World Cup medal.

However, now Rassie Erasmus and SARU must put their faith in a man capable of stepping up as the next Bok eighthman.

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THREE PLAYERS IN LINE TO REPLACE VERMEULEN IN THE BOKS

When one door closes, another open.

This old adage has never been more true for these three talented Springboks stars.

1) JASPER WIESE

Wiese famously stepped up for the injured Vermeulen during the 2021 British & Irish Lions series where he famously made a name for himself. Furthermore, he certainly has all the characteristics to become a great Bok eighthman – speed, strength, a powerful leg drive and explosive running.

He just needs to bring consistency and composure into his game which ill come with maturity. He blew hot and cold for the Boks during the past two seasons and we will need him consistent if he is to step up for one of the most consistent players the game has ever seen.

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2) EVAN ROOS

Roos was one of the standout players in the last two URC campaigns.

The Stormers loose forward was one of their key players when they won the URC and again when they finished as runners-up to Munster last season. Moreover, he was one of the most unlucky players to miss out on the Springboks 33-man Rugby World Cup squad. Therefore, he has a point to prove and will be more motivated than ever to show he is worthy of donning the green and gold jersey.

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3) KWAGGA SMITH

Smith has arguably as arguably the most influential member of the Boks Bomb Squad during Rugby World Cup 2023 and the whole season.

In fact, I would go as far as saying he is one of, if not, the most impactful and quality substitutes in World Rugby. He showed this when it mattered most, in the Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks. Effecting two turnovers at the breakdown, a rip in the tackle and a decisive tackle on Mark Telea. Each moment was more valuable than gold and played a huge role in the Boks claiming gold in the most intense nerve-wrecking last 20 minutes in their history.

Furthermore, whenever he is selected his work rate is out of this world. Kwagga is a menace at the breakdown, powerful on defence and his speed and power in broken play is a nightmare for opposition defenses.

WILD CARD: ELRIGH LOUW

Louw is one of the most prominent Bulls forwards, his physicality and strong runs are a site to behold in the URC. Therefore, it is all about if he can continue and improve on this momentum with an extra spot now open and if he can make the step up at an international level.

Let us know which player you believe is capable of stepping up for the Springboks as the next Vermeulen of SA Rugby. Hit us up in the comments.

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