Springboks legend backs ‘go-to guy’ for landmark Test and young prop delivers verdict on new captain
Duane Vermeulen backs Jasper Wiese and Zachary Porthen delivers verdict on Andre Esterhuizen
Duane Vermeulen and Zachary Porthen have looked ahead to this weekend’s match between the Springboks and the Wallabies, with the young prop set to earn just his third Test start.
He joins Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the front-row, while the highly experienced trio of Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche and Wilco Louw will wait patiently on the bench.
The 22-year-old is aware of the stakes ahead of him, and says that he and his teammates are fired up for the occasion.
“This is Test rugby, and everyone who goes out on the field knows that it means a lot to each player,” he said in Thursday’s press conference. “It means a lot for the country. So that in itself is enough to get you up for any game.”
Andre Esterhuizen – Just one of many leaders
There are many changes to this weekend’s matchday squad, but Porthen believes the players are “hungry” to prove what they can do.
“Since there have been so many changes in the line-up, [they] are actually hungrier than you think. Although, yes, we’ve gotten some time off, the boys are hungry to get back on the field to prove themselves and to show what this means to them.”
One of the big changes to the squad comes in the shape of former Harlequins man, Andre Esterhuizen. He’s been selected as the captain for the occasion, and Porthen couldn’t be more pleased for his international teammate.
“I’m very happy for him,” he said. “He’s definitely done a lot of good work at the Sharks as well.”
With all the changes, it was fair to ask whether the cohesion levels would be affected, and if Esterhuizen’s captaincy would alter the dynamic of the team, but Porthen claims that any changes will be minimal.
“I don’t think much is completely different because he’s got lots of good leaders around him, and it doesn’t really change the fact that Eben’s going to say something when something’s wrong. Franco’s going to say something when he feels like a certain aspect of our game needs to be adapted.
“He’s definitely the right person. But what helps him, and is great for the team, is having those other leaders.”
Game recognise game
Once upon a time, Vermeulen was revered as one of the best number eights in the game. Now, he’s coaching one of the best. Jasper Wiese is set to make his 50th cap in a Springbok jersey on Sunday, and Vermeulen couldn’t be more pleased for him.
“He’s a fantastic player, a really big stalwart in the team, and he became one of the leaders in the team in those last couple of years,” the double World Cup winner said.
“He’s your go-to guy if you want to go if you want go forward, and he’s really been playing well. It’s a it’s a fantastic achievement, and looking to to a hell of a lot more that we can get from him.”
“It’s a great milestone, and I enjoyed the time when I played with him, and now coaching him.”