SOUTH AFRICA SAY their number eight Duane Vermeulen is “in a race against time” to be fit for the looming World Cup as he prepares for surgery on a neck injury.
Vermeulen, who will join Top 14 giants Toulon from the Stormers later this year, consulted a specialist in South Africa over the weekend, whereafter it was decided that an operation on his neck issue was the most suitable treatment.
The South African Rugby Union says the procedure, which is set for Wednesday, gives Vermeulen “the best possible chance to recover” in time to take part in the World Cup, although head coach Heyneke Meyer was downbeat.
Vermeulen was nominated for the 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year award along with Ireland’s Johnny Sexton and eventual winner Brodie Retallick. The South African back row’s international form in recent years has been nothing short of exceptional.
“This is a huge setback for us, but as with any injury in the game it’s something that we simply have to overcome,” said Meyer today.
Duane is world-class, which was underlined last year when he was named the SA Rugby Player of the Year and nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year Award.
“He is one of the leaders in our squad and since making his debut in 2012, has become an integral member of the team.
“I really feel very sorry for him as he was hoping to have yet another huge season for the Springboks, but we’ve properly discussed the situation with him and our medical team, and the decision was taken to have the surgery now as it will be the best for him in the long run.
“We do have a number of great loose forwards available for selection, but with Willem Alberts also not available, this will be a good test of our depth.”
The Springboks’ medical team underlined that they will work ceaselessly to ensure Vermeulen does come back into contention for the World Cup, as losing the 27-year-old for the global tournament would be a major blow to Meyer’s hopes of success.
Toulon will watch the situation anxiously ahead of Vermeulen’s move to join the likes of Paul O’Connell on the Côte d’Azur in November.
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)