DailySun
Duane Vermeulen of SA Rugby Mobi-Unit expressed confidence that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has effectively blended seasoned players with new talent to rebound from last weekend’s loss to the All Blacks.
This weekend, the teams will meet once again in the Rugby Championship at the fully booked Sky Stadium in Wellington, and Vermeulen is looking forward to seeing how the thrilling new backline performs in the upcoming game.
He dismissed media worries regarding the absence of several seasoned athletes, suggesting that this matchup provides an excellent opportunity for the Bok coaches to evaluate younger players under pressure as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“I’m confident that our powerful forward pack can create advantageous front-foot ball,” Vermeulen remarked.
“If we execute well, I believe it will enable the backs to display their skills and perform at their best, making this team setup promising for us.
“Experience is undoubtedly valuable, and we possess that within our forward pack, so it’s not merely a matter of sidelining older players.”
He recognized that the Boks made various errors during last week’s defeat in Auckland, including some from more seasoned players.
“However, we must also focus on the future,” he commented. “There are many young athletes eager to showcase their abilities; if we don’t give them this chance now, when will they have the opportunity to prove themselves in tough situations?”
“This match is an excellent opportunity for them to work together and for the coaches to evaluate their potential for development.”
As a former No 8 and two-time Rugby World Cup champion, he was thrilled to have Jasper Wiese returning after his four-match suspension: “It’s wonderful to see him back. He injects energy into the game, and I’m eager to see his contributions.”
“The No 8 plays a vital role in linking the forwards and backs, and I believe we’ve assembled an exciting backline, so I’m looking forward to what Jasper brings to the match.”
With Erasmus opting for Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje as the locking pair, and RG Snyman ready to make an impact from the bench, Vermeulen noted that this strategy offers the coaching staff multiple benefits.
“You can’t place a player like Eben (Etzebeth) on the field every week, as it may lead to burnout, and we aim for him to play for many years, so some rotation is necessary,” Vermeulen explained.
“We have RG, a seasoned player who has participated in crucial matches, and Ruan excelled last year when given an opportunity during a phase of injuries in the locking positions.”
“While it may seem unconventional to have two No 5 locks on the field simultaneously, they both comprehend their roles and will carry them out effectively. I think this will also test whether these players can step up in the absence of Eben.”
Having faced New Zealand multiple times, Vermeulen – who has transitioned to coaching since the 2023 RWC – mentioned that he prefers to leave the younger players’ preparation regarding what to expect from the All Blacks to his fellow coaches.
“I can provide insights about the atmosphere, but there are players who have encountered New Zealand during my playing days, and all the coaches share their expertise, so I don’t focus too much on that aspect,” Vermeulen concluded.
The match is set to kick off at 09:05 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
