Duane set for Perth debut
5 Sep 2012
Duane Vermeulen will start at No 8 when the Springboks tackle the Wallabies this Saturday.
Bok coach Heyneke Meyer has brought two new loose forwards into the match 22 following last week’s poor showing against Argentina. Vermeulen will start at No 8 while Francois Louw will be utilised from the bench. Until recently, Vermeulen was playing for Western Province and Louw for English club Bath.
Vermeulen, who has been one of the most consistent performers in the past three seasons of Super Rugby, will finally get his chance at the highest level. The robust Stormer will add some grunt to a loose trio that suddenly looks very intimidating.
‘We’ve decided to put Duane straight into the starting team because he is a classic No 8, a position we’ve lacked in since Pierre Spies got injured and Ryan Kankowski moved to Japan,’ said Meyer.
‘I’ve always admired the way Duane plays rugby and he’s fitted in very well the past week. He would’ve been a Springbok years ago if it had not been for injuries and it’s great to finally see him selected.
‘And by including Francois on the bench, we have a specialist opensider, but also a versatile loose forward that brings a bit more balance to our back row mix.’
While Marcell Coetzee is not an out-and-out openside he will be expected to outplay Australia’s Michael Hooper at the breakdown. The Boks need to produce an improved collective showing in this area after last week’s shocker in Mendoza. Coetzee will need to step up in what should be a brutally physical first half, and Louw will be asked to play a different kind of game in the second when it is not as tight.
Other changes to the pack see Andries Bekker dropped completely and Juandre Kruger introduced as the starting No 5. Bekker played his worst game for the Boks last week, and Kruger should see this as an opportunity to make the position his own.
‘At lock we’ve decided to go for Juandré as he plays more to the ball. Juandré and Eben played well as a combination in the June Tests against England.’
As expected, Meyer has favoured Ruan Pienaar at No 9 and moved Francois Hougaard from scrumhalf to wing. The backline reshuffle sees Lwazi Mvovo moving to the bench.
It’s another change in selection that should become permanent if things go well in Perth. Meyer has said that it’s a ‘horse-for-courses’ pick, but if the Bok pack fires and Pienaar has a blinder, he must be considered as a long-term solution at No 9.
Of course, if Hougaard, playing on wing, gets the ball on the front foot and produces the rugby we know he can, it will serve as further evidence that he is better suited to a back-three role.
Johan Goosen is another new face in the 22, and will earn his first cap if he gets a run in the second half.
Goosen recently recovered from a serious shoulder injury, an injury that prevented him from making his debut in the Test series against England. He represents the future of South African rugby and through his Super Rugby offerings has shown that he’s ready to make the step up.
The pressure is on Morné Steyn, not only to improve on his inconsistent performances of 2012 and guide South Africa to victory, but also to keep Goosen at arm’s length.
Meyer has already admitted that Goosen is the kind of player he wants in that No 10 position. Apart from having all the necessary kicking skills to be a success under today’s modern laws, Goosen also boasts an impressive attacking game. It’s a complete skill set that could eventually allow the Boks to play a more balanced game.
‘In my mind he can become one of the great flyhalves in world rugby. I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic and attitude since he joined the squad on Thursday in Johannesburg and we will keep on managing him carefully over the next few weeks.’
Springboks – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 Jean de Villiers (c), 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Francois Louw, 20 Johan Goosen, 21 Pat Lambie, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.
694 Comments
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5 Sep 2012, 19:21 pm
@Dusky-591:
I’ve been thinking the same.
Much like Buchanan, the Aus cricket coach during the Steve Waugh era. Then he couldn’t make it after all that superstars left. Not even in the IPL. They fired him in quick time.
The Buchanan-Meyer effect.
Topic for a thesis if Meyer does not get it right…and soon.
5 Sep 2012, 19:22 pm
I reckon send someone to Perth to put Heyneke in a straight jacket and give him a few lithium injections. Replace him with Jake White or Eddie Jones, just as a temporary measure. Lets see if Jake can improve things over the next few months and then a decision can be made on which coach will take the Springboks to the next world cup.
5 Sep 2012, 19:27 pm
@nama1-601: He was lucky. Perhaps as was Jake White to be honest. Difficult to tell.
One way not to go about it is to make it look like you are grabbing at straws and replacing players left, right and center. How many Boks will be still create ? Who is next to become a Springbok ?
And really…Jano Vermaak !? Is he off his mind ? Does he have no concern for a players current form ? Other bloggers here will hate this, but Charl McLeod would have made more sense. Honestly. Even on the Bulls blog the guys are pleading with the coach to get rid of Jano. They are probably overjoyed he has gone to the Boks.
5 Sep 2012, 19:27 pm
@Dusky-600:
The job of Bok coach is a thankless one. You’re either hero or zero. There’s no in-between. The guy hasn’t even lost a test yet and people are already calling for his head.
HM needs a win this weekend more than anything. Because it ain’t going to happen the following weekend.
5 Sep 2012, 19:34 pm
@Dusky-592: I wish I could bet with you Dusky. Boks by a margin of 8 to 13. We by no means have the best team available but I think our game plan will be somewhat more condusive to running rugby. I reckon Frans and de Villiers might show some creativitiy. Finally Hougie on the wing. And our forwards got a kuk – uit of note after Argentina. Our forwards are better than Aussie forwards. This starting 15 needs to be improved at 3, 5, 6, 10 and 15.
5 Sep 2012, 19:35 pm
@I am a stormer-604: I think the reason for that is his senseless team rearrangement with a frequency equal to changing of underwear. And also the ‘free for all’ handing out of Springbok jerseys.
Also some of his selections make absolutely no sense at all and he has already displayed a lack of willingness to discuss or justify any of his selections, no matter how bizarre.
At least when Jake White did something crazy, he explained why he did it. When he refused to select Schalk Brits – he explained why. Meyer is a one man show ‘en hy gaan sy gat sien’….
5 Sep 2012, 19:36 pm
Dusky we are not going to get raped on saturday, I think we will edge them… Or they may edge us.
5 Sep 2012, 19:37 pm
This is like double jeopardy calling
Its that kind of feeling you don’t know whether you wanna back these boks or not
Almost leaves one out on the cold fringes not caring which goddamn way the wind wanna blow
Meyer improves his back row and then in a couple doff moves fcks up the back line
Its a hard place to be at.. because this dumb coach could land up stuffing up a whole lot of very promising players careers all because he’s so damn fearful and paranoid for his own credibility to get saved he risks the players careers in the firing line.
I don’t like the sound of the sheer frantic desperation shrieking out from behind the Bok change room door.
And how many these blue eyed messiah preachers still holding out this dude walks on water.. I wanna count them.. put up your hands all you brave Meyer worshipers.. where is your flag flying now only 5 tests into the messiah’s bewildered career?
5 Sep 2012, 19:38 pm
@Marty-605: I am glad for you that you feel optimistic however I dont believe your optimism will be rewarded. We have no game plan because we have no continuity. We have played different players in pivotal positions in nearly every game and the players have absolutely no idea how to play together.
5 Sep 2012, 19:39 pm
@I am a stormer-583:
OK. Never been over enthusiastic about Flo even when he was at WP/Stormers but he sure is a moerse step up from Potgieter.
Flo be the man if he is right.
@Dusky-596:
11 new players in 5 matches!!!
WOW!!!
@Dusky-598:
Most Stormer supporters with sense know that Bekker is not firing on all silinders. Dropping him won’t be the major problem.
That would be HM not dropping BB players who are also not firing.
Look, I think most supporters were behind HM when he was appointed untill he announced his 1st squad. His bias towards BB players were so obvious, it was just not true.
JJE
Potgieter
Flip
I mean, really!!!
I don’t think it is the selection of Vermeulen that changed people’s attitudes. In fact, I’ll say most are still in a “let’s see what happens next” kind of stage at this point.
As in, if Morne fails again, will he let him go? When will he get rid of Potgieter?
And then of course, the Kirchner conundrum. Not really good enough to be a Bok but the alternatives are not knocking the door down. (Lambie must specialize first)
None of these necessarily have to be replaced by Stormers players imo. It is just that they should not be there.
5 Sep 2012, 19:39 pm
JW was a bigger ******** than this dunce.. only difference was he had a higher level of risque he could brandish with far less to lose from day one..
But JW in 2006 -2007 was the worst rugby coach on the planet by some distance.
5 Sep 2012, 19:40 pm
@Gazelle-607: I hope you right.
5 Sep 2012, 19:43 pm
@fitz1ella-611: That’s your opinion. I think Jake White had his redeeming qualities.
One thing you and I agree on though is it looks like all reason has flown the coop with Meyer.
5 Sep 2012, 19:43 pm
Well be competitive atleast, Probably edge them.. if we don’t beat aus this weekend ..some serious moves needs to be made.
5 Sep 2012, 19:59 pm
@nama1-610:
Brussow be the man…sorry
5 Sep 2012, 20:07 pm
@nama1-615:
Another Brussow cheerleader
Just watch him getting blown off the park by Deon Fourie on Saturday.
5 Sep 2012, 20:08 pm
@Marty-605:
“Finally Hougie on the wing.”
What did he do to deserve being on the wing?
He should’ve been on the bench.
@Gazelle-614:
Yeah…. we’ll start like a house on fire but if we don’t lead by about 15 points after 25 minute or so, we’re not gonna win this match.
Do to them what the Argies did to us at the start of the match. That’s the only way we’re going to win it.
5 Sep 2012, 20:08 pm
The ego now doing his 100m heat.
5 Sep 2012, 20:09 pm
Winning comfortably.
No complaints about blades lenghs (for now)
5 Sep 2012, 20:13 pm
@Robzim-616:
That would be an interesting match-up.
HB has proven himself over and over again, Rob. No peer in SA when it comes to open side play.
5 Sep 2012, 20:16 pm
@Robzim-619:
Did the Brazilian run also?
5 Sep 2012, 20:21 pm
@nama1-620:
I reckon Fourie has caught up very quickly.
Interesting stats that Transformation posted a day or so ago.
It seems the two made exactly the same number of “steals” during the super 15 tournament.
In general play I reckon Fourie is better- is there anything he cannot do? Linebreaks, running, passing, cover defence, captaining a team, chip kicks, even jumping in the lineout.. you can name it.
Only thing he is not good at is throwing into the lineouts but luckily he dont have to when playing on the flank
5 Sep 2012, 20:25 pm
@nama1-621:
He ran in the first heat and came third after starting very slow and then came charging through the field exactly as he did during the 200m. I think the 100m is too short for him- the british runner who won(Jonny something) the first heat seems very quick and will not lose easily in the final.
5 Sep 2012, 20:32 pm
Bekker’s back is not 100 percent
Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:25
Suspicions that veteran Springbok lock Andries Bekker is still struggling to shake off injuries have proven to be spot on.
It was revealed on Wednesday, when Bok coach Heyneke Meyer unveiled his team for the Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday, that Bekker is still in some discomfort – with back and ankle problems.
Meyer named a team that will see No.8 Duane Vermeulen make his Springbok debut – one of five changes from the starting team that played Argentina in Mendoza recently.
Willem Alberts shifts from No.8 to flank.
However, the more significant change up front sees a recall for lock Juandré Kruger, while Bekker drops out of the matchday 22 altogether.
Meyer said the axing of Bekker was twofold.
“We know what we have in Andries [Bekker], he is a quality player,” the Bok mentor told a media scrum in Perth.
“He came through a few injuries [back and ankle] and [is] probably not 100 percent fit.
“Juandré played very well against England, [where] I was very happy with his performance. He may not be as experienced as Andries, but he does play more to the ball and that is what we will need on Saturday.”
Meyer admitted that Bekker’s poor performance in the 16-all draw with the Argentineans in Mendoza contributed to his axing.
“I wasn’t happy with our cleaning and how we recycled the ball [against Argentina in Mendoza],” he said, adding that injuries remain a big factor.
“Unfortunately Andries has been struggling with injuries the whole year … his back is almost there and his ankle is almost there.
“I just felt I needed to give him a break, so that he can be 100 percent fit when we play New Zealand [in Dunedin next week].
“You need two quality locks, given the [risk of] injuries and you need a squad system. Both locks [Bekker and Kruger] will feature in the future as well.”
Meyer said he is comfortable that Duane Vermeulen – who has played just 100 minutes of Currie Cup rugby since coming back from a serious knee injury – would be up for the challenge in Perth.
“Duane [Vermeulen] has fitted in superbly,” he said of the burly loose forward, adding: “He is a great lined-out jumper, which gives us an extra option there.
“[He is] a typical No.8, he is physical and tough – we are going to need that physicality on Saturday. Duane has fitted in nicely.
“Although he hasn’t played Test rugby, he is a very experienced campaigner, when you compare him to the other guys… he has played a lot of Super Rugby.
“I definitely think he will make a difference on Saturday.”
The arrival of Francois Louw from Bath in England is another significant change to the team, although the openside flank will only feature off the bench.
“I have really been impressed with Francois Louw [in the few days he has been with the team, since his arrival on Monday],” Meyer said.
“He has not been with the team for a long time, but he has fitted in nicely. He is also an option in the line-outs, which is a huge positive for us.
“When we did our ball-stealing drills he was superb on the ground.
“He looks in great condition. He had a good off-season … you can see he is raring to go. He is definitely going to get game time on Saturday and I am excited to see what he can bring to the party
5 Sep 2012, 20:34 pm
@Robzim-622: Rob….go watch the game between the Cheetahs and the Stormers in Bloem….Brussel sprout made Kolisi and D Fourie look silly ….
5 Sep 2012, 20:37 pm
@Robzim-622:
I was at Loftus a season ago – in the upper reaches – when this Stormer 12 made a clean break between the Bulls centres inside the Bulls half to score near the poles.
After watching the replay on the big screen, I realised he had no. 2 on his back.
5 Sep 2012, 20:37 pm
Meyer on Flo…..’ When we did ball stealing skills Flo was superb ‘…..
Thats because all the rest are bloody useless on the deck you wally!!
5 Sep 2012, 20:41 pm
@grant10-625:
That was then… now is now.
Watch Fourie on Saturday… student catching the teacher.
On a more serious note I think the ref’s interpretation will play a huge role- sometimes south african refs allow heinrich to get away with murder while he is usually not so lucky when overseas ref’s have the whistle. it’s a thin line these blokes walk on- they got to be clever or influential or both (like Richie).
5 Sep 2012, 20:42 pm
my favorite part of the Super 15 was that half in Durbs where Brussel Sprout had M Coetsee and Comapny scratching their heads in disbelief …..
Popeye klegendary stuff from the Sprout…..
Glad he is only playing 40 min against wp Sat!!
5 Sep 2012, 20:46 pm
@Robzim-628: well no way heinrich look that clever….so maybe the refs need to be studied properly…..key is to know whe to attempt the steal and when not….I dont remember HB being crucified too much this year though? Maybe transie will know the stats…
also I heard N H refs a bit more lenient…..so thats another consideration I suppose…
5 Sep 2012, 20:47 pm
This is for John Galt. Read and weep, “CUNTRY BOY.”
Robbie Peterson took 7 wickets in this ODI series. The most wickets by a SA bowler at an average of 21.71, second best behind Steyn for bowlers who have bowled more than 20 overs in the series.
He also score 54 runs in two innings without being out once.
Definitely a candidate for player of the series but it will probably go to Amla again.
Not bad for an “uber kak player,” is it?
5 Sep 2012, 20:47 pm
@nama1-617: For me, Hougie’s best position always has been wing. S14 showed that and I blame the doo*s that switched him back to scrummy. What has he done? WC 2011, he was the one player who noticably ignited the game and made the bok backline look dangerous, at wing. I feel sorry for Mvovu but I believe that Hougie is the better alround player at wing and I agree with his selection there.
5 Sep 2012, 20:48 pm
and for the record I think D Fourie is an amazing player….how the fark WP can lose him I just dont know….
5 Sep 2012, 20:49 pm
@I am a stormer-626:
I remember that… he has more explosive speed then even Schalk Brits.
I particulary enjoyed his lineout take against I think the Rebels or even the Cheetahs (at newlands) and that nonchalant smile when he fell back, caught the high kick and pass infield to his fullback in classical 8 man textbook style. That was his first game as an eight man and he got man of the match!
5 Sep 2012, 20:53 pm
@grant10-633:
I think Deon wants to play hooker only- but fark, he cannot throw into the lineout and will probably never be able to manage that skill. It is weird because he certainly has a lot of ball sense- some people claim his hands are not big enough to control the ball when throwing, I don’t know.
5 Sep 2012, 21:00 pm
He’s the poor man’s Schalk Brits by a long, long margin. So if he deserves some kind of higher honours, it’s an outrage that Brits has not had a Bok look-in.
5 Sep 2012, 21:01 pm
@Robzim-635: Ja….fark he will be missed….scarra has been bloody good as well at 2….need a decent 10 ….hope elton comes down south..
5 Sep 2012, 21:06 pm
@grant10-637:
Tim Swiel is also looking quite good in the under 21 side- i saw 2 games on TV- he only needs to work on his goalkicking – he missed one from straight in front against the Lions on Saturday and it cost his team at the end- . As far as the rest of his game is concerned he is top class, just needs some more experience. Holding thumbs that Elton comes too.
5 Sep 2012, 21:09 pm
@katman-636:
I like that boykie from Mossel Bay a lot too and reckon he should have played many more tests but with John Smit overstaying his welcome and Bismark being just about the best hooker in the world he was always up against it.
5 Sep 2012, 21:13 pm
@Robzim-639: Ja, it’s a difficult era to get a chance at 2. But over in the UK they’re gobsmacked that he doesn’t feature somewhere – even on the bench.
5 Sep 2012, 21:14 pm
Amla and De Villiers are just toying with the Poms now.
Which probably makes them Toy Poms, I guess.
5 Sep 2012, 21:19 pm
@katman-640:
Yip, I have no doubt that he will make more of an impact off the bench against a team like Australia then flippin Tiaan Liebenberg who seemed to have lost some of his zest in general play. But I guess it’s too late for him, at least he is earning good pounds in England.
5 Sep 2012, 21:22 pm
@Robzim-638: Justrugby has been singing Swiels praises….I havent seen him yet though…
Also a huge Schalk Brits fan….should be impact player off bench for boks in perfect world….off to celebrate Proteas win with lady…
nite all
outta here
5 Sep 2012, 21:23 pm
Pity Amla ends on 97 not out. He deserved another century.
5 Sep 2012, 21:23 pm
@Robzim-635:
@Robzim-622:
HM turned a “too short for a lineout option” Gary Botha into a good hooker
I can’t see why DF can’t play at no6, I thought AC was crazy or had no choice to play him there during the S15, but he’s gotten better and better with each game
Like Hougie he wants to play in a position where he doesn’t excel, all the while he’s one of the better options in the position he doesn’t want to play in
5 Sep 2012, 21:23 pm
Deon Fourie is far more potent and far tougher and far more grit and fire eater no holds barred wrestler in the trenches than Schalk Britz or any other hooker perhaps world wide apart from Bismark and perhaps Andrew Hore
He should have been a Bok already ahead of Strauss and Burden, Liebenberg is next best after Bismark, Fourie, Chili…, same as Elstadt should be the first name down for enforcer instead of some the soft soap options that this coach been bandying about.
5 Sep 2012, 21:25 pm
@fitz1ella-646: Talking kak again. What’s new?
5 Sep 2012, 21:26 pm
@ 39 robzim…spot on…britz is one of the most exciting frontrowers in world rugby…and that’s my hometown too…hehe
5 Sep 2012, 21:27 pm
@ 639 robzim
spot on…britz is one of the most exciting front-rowers in world rugby…and that’s my hometown too…hehe
5 Sep 2012, 21:29 pm
@fitz1ella-646:
The problem is he wants to play hooker, and a hooker’s primary function is throwing in at the lineout and that’s his achilles heel
> Deon Fourie is far more potent and far tougher and far more grit
Agree
But it’s all moot anyway, he’s going overeas next year
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