URC: Ulster’s Dan McFarland to lean on Duane Vermeulen’s local knowledge in South Africa

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland realises the importance of Springbok Duane Vermeulen’s influence on their tour of South Africa.

McFarland’s men face a difficult trip, facing two in-form South African sides in United Rugby Championship matches against the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium and the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Experienced head

Fortunately for Ulster, Vermeulen has represented both teams for extended periods during his time on South African shores.

The Ulster boss looks to rely on the number eight’s knowledge of mauls in South Africa and how best to defend them as they gear up for the physical challenge.

The Springbok has only recently joined Ulster leaving Loftus Versfeld in September last year.

“With regards to the individual specifics of his influence in these weeks against the South African teams, I’m not sure if it’s going to be any greater than the influence he’s had in general,” McFarland told Sport24.

“We have a style in the way that we play and we’re interested in our mauling and maul defence game and he’s had a huge influence in that area.

“He deeply understands the SA methodology around those areas and there’s been insight into that all through his stay in Belfast.

“Whether he’ll be involved in both games will remain to be seen, but he is a big influence.”

The South African teams have benefitted from the Six Nations taking the best British, Irish and Italian players, but with the competition over McFarland has a strong squad to select from.

“There’s every chance that some of those guys might play. Some of them didn’t get a chunk of game time over the Six Nations,” McFarland said.

“With the block of six games that we have now, we want to get them up and running as quickly as possible.”

The Cape heat will be a factor for the Belfast side on Saturday but Ulster sense an opportunity to topple the Stormers in their backyard despite their free-scoring form.

“It’s an opportunity to do something the other eight teams haven’t managed to do. There hasn’t been a win here,” added McFarland.

“The Ospreys play the Lions on Friday and we’re up next, but it isn’t a surprise to see how well the SA teams are playing at home.

“When they were in the northern hemisphere, they struggled to acclimatise around the style of play, the conditions and the new competition.

“It’s similar to us coming down here as we’re used to playing in our conditions as compared to 30-degree heat. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge.”

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