Vermeulen returns for Wallabies clash

Vermeulen returns from a long-term ankle injury as he, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies and Marco van Staden return to the match-day 23 after recovering from various injuries.

There are seven changes in the starting XV and six on the bench for this weekend’s clash from the side that beat Argentina 29-10 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium a few weeks ago.

De Klerk and Sbu Nkosi come into the starting backline in place of Cobus Reinach and Cheslin Kolbe. Kolbe wasn’t in lone for selection after picking up an injury during training on Friday.

Amongst the forwards there are five changes from the side that beat the Pumas. Vermeulen, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Mahlerbe and Bongi Mbonambi all come into the starting fifteen for the clash.

It’s a big stretch of matches for the Springboks and coach Jacques Nienaber is happy that he has close to a fully fit squad to pick from.

“We have been following the progress of the injured players on a daily basis, so we knew that we would be in a position to select most of them for this match,” Nienaber said.

“Duane has played an active role off the field in our team meetings and with the analysis of the opposition, and he has also provided guidance at training. He returned to full training when we arrived in Australia, so he has been in the thick of things for a while now.

“Duane, Faf and Herschel are Rugby World Cup winners, and so is Eben, who is back after we rotated him to manage his workload, while Marco has made a strong impact on the field this season as well, so we are pleased to have them back in the fold.

“Unfortunately, we lost Cheslin to injury, but we are fortunate to have Sbu who steps in. He’s been working hard at training and he is eager to get back on the field.”

Looking to the clash against the Wallabies, the coach knows that despite their recent results against New Zealand Dave Rennie’s side will provide a large threat to the Springboks, especially in their own conditions.

“Australia pose a strong threat with their running rugby and they like to keep the ball in play.

“They will also be playing in front of a charged-up home crowd, so it will be good to have these experienced players back as they know what it takes to perform in big matches.”

Kick off on Sunday is at 12:05pm SAT.

Springbok team to face Australia in Gold Coast:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements
16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Jasper Wiese, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Damian Willemse.