“Strange statement” – Duane Vermeulen fires back at controversial Springbok claim
- Where to watch Leinster v Cardiff: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news - October 10, 2026
- Where to watch Ulster v Munster: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news - October 10, 2026
- Brian O’Driscoll reveals surprising Ciarán Frawley request before Leinster exit - October 10, 2026
“Your perspective.”
Duane Vermeulen has rejected the suggestion that the Springboks’ 13 changes for Sunday’s Test against Australia show they are taking the Wallabies lightly.
Rassie Erasmus has retained just Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker from the starting XV that beat the All Blacks in Baltimore. After four demanding Tests against New Zealand, the scale of the changes has raised questions about whether South Africa can bring the same intensity to Perth.
Vermeulen responded sharply to the suggestion that the selection showed any disrespect to Australia.
“No one plays this game to lose, so anyone who talks about losing is making a strange statement,” the Springbok assistant coach said.
The former No.8 pointed to a commitment Erasmus made at the start of the year: players throughout the squad would be given opportunities. Sunday’s Test is one of those opportunities, and Vermeulen believes the men coming into the side know what is expected of them.
He was equally dismissive when asked whether the Boks might struggle to lift themselves after the All Blacks series.
“That may be your perspective,” Vermeulen replied.
“But it’s not as if we go into a Wallabies Test and say, ‘let’s just throw the ball around and have fun because it’s not the All Blacks’.
“They are a tier-one nation, a team on the rise, and they are playing really well, so we’ve been preparing hard.”
He added that South Africa had used the time since Baltimore to run through their plays and prepare the changed combinations. The break between Tests, in his view, should not be mistaken for a break from work.
Vermeulen also sees a reason for caution in Australia’s preparation. Les Kiss’ side have been able to watch the Springboks across all four Tests against New Zealand, giving them an extended look at how South Africa play before facing them in Perth.
He expects the Wallabies to arrive with a clear plan. Australia’s recent improvement has caught his attention, and he made clear that the Boks are preparing for a serious challenge.
That leaves Erasmus’ new-look side with two jobs on Sunday: meet the Wallabies’ challenge and make the most of the opportunity handed to them. Vermeulen believes they understand both.
