Springboks: Big Duane Vermeulen not ready to give up is RWC spot

‘Thor’ Vermeulen will fight tooth and nail to fend off contenders for his No 8 Springbok throne.

No 8 Duane Vermeulen says he will fight for retain his place in the Springboks squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.

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Vermeulen is one of the longest-serving members in the Springbok set-up and the veteran is keen to extend his in the Green and Gold.

At almost 37 years of age, Vermeulen is well into the twilight of his career, but he has suggested that his is keen to make it to one last dance with the Springboks.

THOR PREPARED TO FIGHT FOR SPRINGBOKS SPOT

In an interview with RugbyPass, Vermeulen spoke of his drive to make the Springboks’ 33-man squad for the World Cup even if he is asked to play a supporting role in the team’s quest to claim back-to-back titles in France this year.

“Covid played a big role in my decision not to retire from the international game in 2021,” Vermeulen told RugbyPass. “We had a lot of time off after the 2019 World Cup due to the pandemic, and in a sense we had a lot of time to rest our bodies that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

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“I don’t regret my decision to stay on. I’ve come a long way with Rassie and Jacques [having worked under the duo at the Cheetahs, Stormers and Boks] and I respect them a great deal as coaches. I said that if I can add value, I will continue to fight for a spot.

“My goal has never changed, I want to be part of the Springboks team and I want to represent them at the World Cup. That said, I realise how much the situation has changed, and how my role may be different this time round. I may be part of the squad, but not a starter. That’s okay – I’ve just got to work as hard as I can to perform that role to the best of my ability.”

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