Springboks v British & Irish Lions: 3 players who could replace Duane Vermeulen

Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids on Wednesday provided a somewhat vague injury update on star No 8 Duane Vermeulen.

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Davids, appearing in an online press conference, was asked for an update on the recovery progress of not only Vermeulen, but a number of other injured Springboks.

Duane Vermeulen hurt his left ankle while playing for the Bulls and underwent surgery a fortnight ago.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber at the time suggested the 34-year-old would be sidelined for anything between “5 and 16 weeks”.

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In addition to Vermeulen, there is also uncertainly over Munster duo Damian de Allende and RG Snyman who are currently continuing their recovery in the United Kingdom after sustaining burns in a freak fire-pit accident.

Meanwhile, lock Lood de Jager is also recovering from a freak training accident.

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“We know that they are busy with their rehabilitations,” Davids said.  

“There are ongoing discussions with the medical staff. We know that the UK-based players will join us from Sunday. From there, we will make a thorough assessment.

“In terms of Duane, he is also busy with his rehabilitation. He is in contact in terms of how the progress is going. We are also expecting him to join our group in the next few weeks and we are looking forward to having him part of the squad, whether his contribution is off the field or on it. We would like him to share his experience with us with our preparation going forward into this series.”

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Vermeulen joins fellow Springbok squad members Cheslin Kolbe and Rynhardt Elstadt in being ruled out of at least the opening Test against Georgia at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday, 2 July.

In terms of the latter two, they could well feature in the second Test at Ellis Park a week later, while it’s unlikely Vermeulen will be fit for selection.

So who in the 46-man Springbok squad could fill the boots – very big boots – of “Thor”?

It appears to be a three-player race – judging from Davids’ comments – between Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese and Dan du Preez.

Between the trio they boast just 10 Test caps with Wiese yet to make his debut.

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Smith, better known as a flank, has played at the base of the scrum this season for his Japanese side Yamaha Júbilo, while Du Preez, who has four Test caps, is arguably the front-runner for the vacant No 8 berth having excelled for his Sale Sharks side this season.

“At this stage, we have a very open mindset in terms of our approach,” Davids explained.

“As has been mentioned, we have got a couple of options available. During our training sessions, we have shifted players around and tested the different combinations.

“In terms of options, we have got Kwagga. There is also a new guy like Jasper Wiese. Dan du Preez has played Test match rugby and has been in outstanding form and had a great game last week. So we will do a thorough assessment of our loose-forwards available and hopefully we will have a clear understanding come Sunday and Monday in terms of what we want to do over the next two games against Georgia.”

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SPRINGBOK 46-MAN SQUAD:

Forwards (26)

Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Joseph Dweba, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese

Backs (20)

Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Sanele Nohamba, Cobus Reinach, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Morne Steyn, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Wandisile Simelane, Frans Steyn, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Yaw Penxe, Rosko Specman, Damian Willemse 

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SPRINGBOKS V BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SCHEDULE:

Saturday, 3 July: Lions v British & Irish Lions (Ellis Park, Johannesburg) – 18:00

Wednesday, 7 July: Sharks v British & Irish Lions (Ellis Park, Johannesburg) – 20:00

Saturday, 10 July: Bulls v British & Irish Lions (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria) – 18:00

Wednesday, 14 July: South Africa ‘A’ v British & Irish Lions (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town) – 20:00

Saturday, 17 July: Stormers v British & Irish Lions (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town) – 18:00

Saturday, 24 July: Springboks v British & Irish Lions (1st Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town) – 18:00

Saturday, 31 July: Springboks v British & Irish Lions (2nd Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg) – 18:00

Saturday 7 August: Springboks v British & Irish Lions (3rd Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg) – 18:00

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