Duane Vermeulen: Last time in green and gold for ‘Thor’

After a legendary career that has seen Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen rack up 75 Test caps, the 37-year-old is set to head into international retirement after the World Cup.

For the last time …so glad you got to do this on the biggest stage of them all 🏉🏆#RWC2023 @Springboks it’s been wonderful being on this journey with you . I’m so proud of you Duanne . Enjoy the day and all the best to the Boks 🏆🇿🇦@SuperSportTV pic.twitter.com/3ooGoEOCX9

— Annelee Murray (@AnneleeM) October 27, 2023

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In the final Rugby Championship game against Argentina at Ellis Park earlier this year, he captained the team in what he may have secretly known was his last game on South African soil in the green and gold colours of the Springboks.

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However, he will now be looking to potentially end his career on a high at the World Cup, although he admitted it wasn’t long ago that he really doubted whether he’d make the squad.

As it turned out, Vermeulen not only made the squad, but he managed to reclaim the No 8 jersey from Jasper Wiese, with the veteran’s experience and abilities at the breakdown making him a key member of the starting line up once again.

Interestingly, during one of the World Cup pool games, Vermeulen was seen sitting with the coaches – and there are increasing signs to suggest he could consider heading into the coaching space after the global showpiece.

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DUANE VERMEULEN IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY REGARDED SPRINGBOK PLAYERS IN THE CURRENT WORLD CUP GROUP

Before the World Cup, Vermeulen spoke about the rollercoaster of emotions as he headed into what will potentially be his final Springbok stint, with the powerful No 8 expected to start in this Saturday’s final between the Boks and All Blacks.

“Well, there is the emotional side to it, and then obviously there’s the jersey and what it means – it means different things to every individual who played in it,” said Vermeulen when talking to SABC Sport.

“I actually had a good chat to a guy like Jasper Wiese, and Evan Roos – what I like, if I step out, hopefully they understand what the jersey meant for me, and hopefully the next guy – a youngster coming into the squad, can continue to pass it down.

“If you asked me in the beginning of the year, I would have said, ‘There’s no way that I would make this squad.’ And then, when we started playing, I actually felt good and my body felt good, I was well rested,” he added.

“Ulster, where I played, really managed me well throughout the season. So, I kind of feel refreshed, young, and energised – even if it doesn’t say that on paper. But, ja, I’m in a good space, and I thought whatever happens, happens. I enjoyed my career, I had a good career, but it’s still not over yet.”

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