VIDEO: 'This win ticks a different box'
Daniel Johannes Vermeulen already has a World Cup winners medal, 66 Tests and a few other accolades.
However, the 37-year-old Springbok loose forward has a hunger for more.
Vermeulen, standing in as Bok skipper for the injured Siyamthanda Kolisi in the impressive 43-12 rout of Australia at Loftus Versfeld at the weekend, is not showing any signs that suggest he won’t make the cut for the trip to France – when South Africa will defend their World Cup title in September and October.
He was not just impressive as a leader, but produced some impressive stats which belies his age – eight carries for 32 metres, eight tackles and a turnover.
He also remains unbeaten as Bok skipper – with two wins and a draw.
His name was added to the list of additional players that will to New Zealand for the Rugby Championship Round Two outing against the All Blacks in Auckland this coming Saturday.
(WATCH as Daniel Johannes Vermeulen talks about what the future holds for him …)
“I would love to keep on playing, but sometimes you realise that your time is also running out,” Vermeulen said, when asked about his future plans.
“You don’t know when your last game on home soil will be,” he said when facing the media in a post-match media briefing at Loftus.
“I just try to enjoy every moment out there.
“This win, it ticks a different box.
“It hits pretty close to my heart.
“It was a special performance and a special group of guys, coaches, management – everyone.
“Someday, it will come to an end.
“You just have to enjoy every second.”
Vermeulen said the backing of the 50,000 crowd at Loftus Versfeld was a huge factor in the wide winning margin.
“From the singing of the national anthem onwards, we could hear the people and it is that extra energy that drives us forward,” he added.
“It was like having an extra player on the field.”
He said his teammates are keeping him ‘young’ and on his toes.
“With this group of players, you really do really feel like you’re 27 again,” the veteran said.
“The guys push you, be it in terms of the chats off the field or the play on it.
“If you’re in this squad, you simply must pull your weight.
“The positive energy we experience from each other is amazing.
“We’re really pulling in one direction towards one big goal. It’s nice.
“Sometimes I’m a bit tired, but the younger guys motivate me to keep going and keep the head held high.”
Twenty-one Springboks headed for New Zealand on Sunday, joining 13 others, who flew across 10 time zones last Tuesday to acclimatise early for a top-of-the-table clash with the All Blacks this coming Saturday.
South Africa faces New Zealand in Auckland and Australia tackles fellow first-round losers Argentina in Sydney this Saturday in the second series of matches.
Traditionally a six-matchday tournament, the Southern Hemisphere championship has been reduced to three this year because of the World Cup, which kicks off in Paris on September 8.
Defending champions South Africa, who have won the World Cup a record-equalling three times, are in Pool B with Ireland, the current No. 1 ranked Test team, Scotland, Romania and Tonga.
