COUNTRY COMES FIRST FOR VERMEULEN

INTERVIEW: DESPITE FACING POSSIBLE SANCTIONS FROM TOULON, SPRINGBOK NO.8 DUANE VERMEULEN SAID HE NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED STAYING IN FRANCE IN JUNE. WARREN FORTUNEREPORTS.

Vermeulen, who is one of the three overseas-based players in the Springbok squad, told reporters in Cape Town on Tuesday about his desire to continue representing the national team.

There was a lot of speculation about the 29-year-old's future with the Springboks after Toulon's owner, Mourad Boudjellal, threatened not to pay those who leave the club in June for international duty.  

"It was not even a decision for me to stay [in France]," said Vermeulen.

I said from the beginning that I wanted to play international rugby. If I can represent my country - and it doesn’t matter where they play - I will do it with all my power.

"Everything is in a contract. I just want to represent my country. I am very happy to be here with a new coach and a new team and I am just looking forward to the challenge."

Vermeulen was a favourite to become the next Springbok captain after last year's World Cup. However, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee made it clear this year that he was not going to give the role to an overseas-based player.

Coetzee eventually gave the role to Adriaan Strauss for the three-Test series against Ireland and Vermeulen said he supported the decision. 

"It is not my decision and it is out of my hands. It is the coach and SA Rugby's decision on who they think the right person is for the job. 

"Adriaan Strauss is a good captain. He was the captain at the Cheetahs and he is the captain at the Bulls. He knows how things work on the international stage. 

"He has our support and if needs help from any of the other senior guys, we will be there. We are standing 100 percent behind him," Vermeulen added.

Vermeulen will be competing with the in-form Warren Whiteley for the Springbok No.8 jersey. The Lions captain has been outstanding in Super Rugby this year and Vermeulen believes the competition for places in the team will bring out the best in everyone.

"Pressure is always a good thing. I think if you don't perform under pressure you will never deliver the goods. 

"There is a lot of youngsters coming through and putting pressure on us, but it's a good thing and you like to be a part of it. If they get selected ahead of you, you support them all the way. We don't have egos in the squad," Vermeulen added.

He's been a good player at test level, let's see if he can get his form back.

 He's a class act ... besides it's difficult to build a little momentum on frogs legs and snails.
A good braai with pap and a chunky mushroom gravy as well as an assortment of tasty salads is enough to lift the spirits. 
He's probably training like a demon as we speak.
The contest between him and Stander should be a good one to witness.
Pity he'll only have flo and Kolisi as support. 

 JW when you play for a country Beeno supports it really ought to be your first priority!
Vermulen needs to move to 7 and Whitely to 8. Kriel at 6. 

 If Coetzee had bothered to select a 7 on merit, instead of these pretenders we wouldn't be thinking of playing Vermeulen out of position.
We're already on the back foot and we haven't even started yet.