Duane longs for some real rugby
Returning from a potentially career-threatening injury, a fully-fit Springbok number eight Duane Vermeulen cannot wait to play in his first Rugby World Cup game on September 19 against Japan in Brighton, England.
Vermeulen suffered a serious neck injury in June, but following surgery and successful rehabilitation the Springbok player of the year in 2014 is expected to be fully ready to take on the Japanese.
“I’m ready and fit to go. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and play a game,” said Vermeulen after a training session in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
“We want to go there and win a World Cup.”
It was a long, arduous journey back to full-fitness, and there were times of self-doubt admitted Vermeulen.
“There was a stage where I felt like it was going South, and not the way you want it to go. But I got the go ahead from the surgeon saying I’ll be ready to go and here I am in the 31-man squad and looking forward to my first World Cup.
“I never quit. I was in a difficult position, but with all the guys that surround me and the energy in the squad, that’s also a big motivator. Some days you don’t feel like you’re ready or that you should be here, but I’m very glad I’m in the squad. I just can’t wait to play my first World Cup. If it’s not this time, you never know if you’ll be selected for the next one.”
The 29-year-old was being eased back into full contact training, and the bruising eighthman was itching to return to his physically dominating role at the back of the Bok pack.
“In training I just wish I can run into a guy. From this week on everything will fall into place and I can start making contact. I just need to take it still a little bit easy in the breakdown sessions, otherwise it’s full contact on the field.”
The forward said criticism of the players selected to do duty for the nation at the World Cup did not bother the individuals, as the pride and sense of responsibility outweighed any questions surrounding personnel.
“There are some experienced, and older guys but come match day against Japan everyone will be available.
“Our focus is on the games we need to play, it doesn’t matter who slots in where – those 23 guys will do their utmost to win a game and represent our country.” -- Michael Sherman
ANA