Rassie Erasmus has revealed the immense value that the Springboks are getting out of Duane Vermeulen after the two-time World Cup winner’s quick transition from playing into coaching.
Vermeulen joined SA Rugby’s coaching ranks after bringing an end to his storied playing career after helping the Springboks retain the World Cup last year.
The former No 8 was officially appointed in a “roving coaching role with all SA Rugby’s national teams”, becoming a third member of the mobi-unit with Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko.
While he has spent some time with the South Africa’s U20 side in Cape Town, Vermeulen has mostly been with the Springboks since the July series against Ireland got underway.
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Erasmus revealed the value that Vermeulen is providing as a coach, who has a commanding respect and a tight relationship with the players, as the Springboks look to seal a series victory over Ireland in Durban on Saturday.
“He’s not a guy that is the boss of the players or anything like that,” Erasmus said, after naming an unchanged team for the second Test at Kings Park.
“He brings in things that are still relevant. I can try to teach guys how we used to steal ball at the breakdown, and we can look at other coaches, but Duane is a guy who played last year and played against the Irish and for Ulster.
“He’s part of our management team and sometimes in team selection meetings,” Erasmus added.
“Sometimes when we think someone isn’t performing and we need to talk to him, Duane can bring a player’s perspective into it, which helps a lot.
“He’s 38, so he’s not a young man anymore. He talks with real experience, and I think the players have received him well. I think he’s really adapted in a way where nobody feels uncomfortable, and I’m really glad about that.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post ‘Coach’ Duane proving Bok value appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
