Vermeulen's verdict on the Wiese factor

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen believes Jasper Wiese Wiese has done an excellent job in the No.8 jersey for the Boks so far.

Vermeulen missed the British and Irish Lions series and the Boks’ first two Rugby Championship matches against Argentina because of an ankle injury.

Albertus Smith was given the No.8 jersey for the first Test against the Lions, before Wiese fulfilled that role for the second and third Tests.

Wiese also started at No.8 in both wins (32-12 and 29-10) over Argentina in Gqeberha.

Vermeulen, who is ready to return to the field for the matches against the Wallabies and All Blacks in the remainder of the Rugby Championship, had plenty of praise for his understudy.

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“I think I only played one game against him, when he still played for the Free State Cheetahs,” said Vermeulen.

“He had a massive presence on the field and then he went abroad to go play for [English club] Leicester.

“He had a fantastic season at Leicester and I am really happy for him to get the call-up to the Boks and get an opportunity to play.”

Vermeulen added: “He has really been playing well [for the Boks].

“It’s nice to have someone like him filling your boots.

“He really stepped up and put up his hand.

“I am looking forward to working alongside him and hopefully we can share some tricks and tips.

“He is a fantastic guy and a really hard worker and I am looking forward to seeing how he grows throughout his career.”

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