EPaper

Enforcer Vermeulen is ready for All Blacks

• Bok coach Nienaber makes five changes to squad

Mahlatse Mphahlele

Duane Vermeulen is back. The vastly experienced No 8 has been included in the Springbok starting line-up to take on New Zealand in the second Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

On Tuesday‚ Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber announced a squad in which he made five changes to the starting line-up — two injury forced — for the match in which Frans Malherbe will make his 50th Test appearance.

In three rotational changes the imposing Vermeulen walks back into the starting line-up after recovering from knee surgery to take over from Jasper Wiese. Bongi Mbonambi slots back in at hooker after Malcolm Marx earned a start last week to celebrate his 50th Test cap and Ox Nche takes over from Trevor Nyakane at loosehead prop.

In the two changes in the backline Jaden Hendrikse comes in at scrumhalf for Faf de Klerk‚ who has been placed on a return-to-play protocol after suffering concussion in the team’s 26-10 victory last week.

Jesse Kriel will start on the right wing in place of Kurt-Lee Arendse‚ who also suffered concussion and has been released from the squad after being handed a four-week suspension for a dangerous tackle in the match.

While Mbonambi and Marx switch roles between the starting team and replacements bench‚ Vermeulen’s inclusion sees Wiese take the role of impact player in place of lock Salmaan Moerat. Herschel Jantjies fills the void left by Hendrikse’s promotion to the starting team.

“We made a few changes to the team‚ but Duane‚ Jesse and Herschel are all experienced players who know our systems and have been stalwarts for the Boks‚” Nienaber said. “Ox has also shown his ability to make his presence felt in the front row‚ so he is back in the mix.”

Nienaber said they were mindful that Vermeulen is returning from injury but this prompted him to tweak his forward cover on the bench.

“Duane has a massive presence on the field and there is no bigger game for him to make his comeback from injury than facing the All Blacks. He is an enforcer on attack and defence and we know he will give everything against a physical All Blacks team that are desperate to bounce back strongly from a challenging run of results.

“Jasper is also a warrior and we know he will have an equally strong presence when he takes the field. Jesse has played more than 50 Tests and has been waiting in the wings for his chance. He’s played wing for us before‚ so we know what he can bring to the game.

“We are also excited to welcome back Herschel‚ who has played an immense role to help prepare the playing squad for the past two Tests.”

SPORTSDAY

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2022-08-10T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-10T07:00:00.0000000Z

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