Line of Boks questioning touches a nerve for Duane Vermuelen

Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen bristled when pressed on New Zealand’s work at the breakdown ahead of this weekend’s Test in Wellington.

The 2019 World Cup winner was asked whether the All Blacks’ approach to that area of the game in the Auckland opener had unsettled South Africa in the 24-17 loss.

It seemed hit a nerve for Vermeulen.

“Do you know the amount of breakdown turnovers they got?” Vermeulen shot back playfully.

When the journalist admitted he wasn’t sure, Vermeulen replied: “Yeah. So it’s two poachers and maybe just one counter. If you look at a Test match rugby which goes 80 minutes, I don’t really think it’s a massive talking point. Obviously we try to put pressure on our opposition as well. Yes, they’ve done a couple of things but it’s not exposing us in a way. The focus will always be there when you play a game, but our overall game is probably the biggest talking point. I don’t think we can go into specifics.”

The exchange suggested a degree of irritation from Vermeulen, who was quick to shift the discussion back to the Springboks’ overall game plan rather than dwelling on isolated moments at the ruck.

Vermeulen is also looking forward to the return of Jasper Wiese, who returns at No.8.

“It’s great to have Jasper back in the mix. Obviously he’s one of the guys that really gives us go-forward ball. So yeah, we’re looking forward to seeing what he brings to the game.

“Obviously we still play with a good pack, but to be the link between the pack and the backline – and the backline we’ve selected is an exciting backline – I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the party. It’ll be great to have him back.”

“Of course, experience counts to a degree, and I believe we have that up front, so it’s not a case of throwing (some of the senior) guys away.”

Vermeulen explained that Rassie Erasmus’ decision to start with Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje in the second row, with RG Snyman held in reserve, gave the Springbok coaches multiple tactical options.

“You can’t play a guy like Eben (Etzebeth) every week because he’ll burn out, and we still want him to play for a few years, so one needs a little bit of rotation,” said Vermeulen.

“We have an experienced guy like RG on the bench, who has played in big matches, and Ruan did well last year when he got the chance at a time when we had a few injuries at lock.

“It may seem a little weird to have two No 5 locks in the pack, but they’ve both played their part, and they know what they want to do. I also think it will be a good opportunity to see if these guys can make the step-up and play without Eben.”