South Africa’s rugby team is steadfast in their determination to build on their recent triumph in Brisbane as they prepare for a crucial rematch against the Wallabies in Perth this weekend.
Following a dominant 33-7 victory, the Springboks are focused on refining their performance to maintain momentum in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
SA Rugby Mobi-unit coach and former Springbok No. 8, Duane Vermeulen, emphasized that the team cannot afford to be complacent as they gear up for Saturday’s clash at Optus Stadium. Vermeulen, who recently transitioned into coaching after retiring with 76 Test caps and two Rugby World Cup titles, acknowledged that despite last week’s success, there is still room for improvement.
“The scrums were good last week,” Vermeulen remarked. “We earned a few penalties and gained some advantage, but I’m sure Taniela Tupou will bring a new dynamic to their pack if he starts this week. We also need to work on perfecting our lineouts after losing two last game. On the downside, we missed several scoring opportunities and were caught out at some defensive breakdowns. We are working closely with Jaco Peyper (national laws advisor) and the referees to sharpen these areas ahead of the match.”
Rising front-row talent Jan-Hendrik Wessels echoed Vermeulen’s sentiments, reinforcing that the team’s preparations remain as intense as ever. “There’s certainly no complacency in the group,” Wessels stated. “We know our goals and are working hard to ensure we deliver the same quality of performance. While we missed a couple of lineouts, overall, it was a performance to be proud of.”
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus is set to announce the matchday squad on Tuesday, with Vermeulen suggesting that some changes might be beneficial to keep the squad fresh and adaptable. “We have a squad of 33 players here, and ideally, we’d like to use them all,” Vermeulen said. “There might be a few changes, but it’s up to the coaches to select the most suitable team for the weekend. This is a big game for us, and we’re aiming to bring new energy to the field.”
When asked about South Africa’s chances of winning the Rugby Championship, especially after New Zealand’s surprise defeat to Argentina, Vermeulen remained cautious. “It’s still early days,” he noted. “While our last game put us in a good position, there’s still a long way to go.”
Vermeulen is relishing his new role within the Springbok management team, where he continues to contribute after his playing days. “It’s been an easy transition because I only played a year ago. I’ve been learning from the coaches, who offer a different perspective, and I’m enjoying the journey,” he said.
Wessels, who is versatile enough to play either prop or hooker, is also eager to contribute wherever needed. “I’m just enjoying the opportunity to be here,” Wessels said. “If I get the chance to play, I want to be sharp in both positions, so I’ve been working hard at training.”
As the Springboks gear up for their next challenge, the focus remains on building upon their success, refining their performance, and staying grounded as they continue their quest for Rugby Championship glory.
