Duane Vermeulen says competition for the Springbok No 8 jersey will be intense in 2025, as the legendary hardman reflects on his first year swapping boots for a clipboard, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
Now part of Rassie Erasmus’ backroom staff, Vermeulen has swiftly transitioned into a coaching role after retiring from rugby following South Africa’s 2023 World Cup triumph. Speaking during a Bok conference on Wednesday, the two-time World Cup winner outlined the depth available at the back of the scrum for the world champions.
Incumbent Jasper Wiese, who now plays his domestic rugby in Japan after gaining a reputation as back-row juggernaut with Leicester Tigers in Europe, started six of his seven Tests last year in the No 8 jumper.
Evan Roos, meanwhile, has rediscovered the form that earned him a Bok call-up in 2022 – the seven-cap Stormers star made two Test appearances last year after missing out on World Cup selection.
Vodacom Bulls powerhouse Cameron Hanekom impressed in his debut against Wales last year, while the Lions’ Francke Horn is set to attend his first alignment camp. Even Siya Kolisi, at 34, has adapted his game, shifting to eighthman for the Sharks.
The versatile Elrigh Louw, who started two Tests at No 8 in 2024, is sidelined with a knee injury.
“It’s an interesting one. Jasper Wiese is still there; he’s not playing in SA so you don’t get to see much of him but he’s the guy who started the most games [at No 8] last year,” Vermeulen said.
“Then you’ve got younger guys who are knocking on the door like Evan, who’s had a few opportunities. Cameron Hanekom is coming through, and Francke getting selected to the alignment camp.
“It’s nice to see the competition growing, and obviously the competition growing in South Africa. There’s a lot of youngsters putting up their hands, and it’s good to push those guys who are a little bit settled in their positions.
“Hopefully we’ll see guys stepping up and delivering for the Springboks if they’re selected.”
Vermeulen is playing a pivotal part in mentoring the next crop of Bok No 8s post-retirement. The 76-Test ‘Thor’ was appointed in a “roving coaching role” across SA Rugby’s national teams, working alongside Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko in the mobi-unit.
While the 38-year-old has assisted the Junior Springboks, Vermeulen’s primary involvement has been with the senior squad, where his expertise has been crucial in fine-tuning the Bok maul.
“I had to find my feet. In the beginning, it was difficult, because you think you’re still part of the players [group] and don’t know if you’re actually part of the coaches,” he said.
“It was welcoming on the coaches’ side, but you kind of still feel like a player. But then later on down the road last year, I really found my feet and started enjoying the challenges, working alongside the coaches, having a different point of view and looking at the game the way they look at it, but also bringing my part that I still had as a player.
“I enjoyed last year and obviously got more responsibility as the year went on, and looking forward to this year, it’s going to be another good challenge.”
