Vermeulen hopeful of Sharks chance

Durban has attracted yet another promising youngster as Vermeulen chose to leave Western Province ahead of the Super Rugby season. The former Paarl Gym pupil played all of his junior rugby in the Streeptruie but he believes he has more of a chance making a name for himself in a new environment.

“I am a very young player and Western Province had a lot of good players, Springboks, in my position. I felt I needed a change of scenery and I felt Durban was the place to come,” Vermeulen said earlier this week.

The likes of Siya Kolisi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Nizaam Carr are first in line for selection in the Stormers setup and Vermeulen has hedged his bets on pushing for a spot at the Sharks instead – which isn’t as laden with Springbok loose forwards.

With that being said, Vermeulen will have to be patient in Durban as well. The Sharks have some quality loosies in their ranks.

Keegan Daniel was a revelation when he returned to the side after two years in Japan. He produced some outstanding performances in 2016 and his leadership will be crucial in grooming a squad full of junior players.

The Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Dan will look to feature in the starting lineup regularly as well. Dan is coming off a lengthy injury break, while Jean-Luc will want to emulate the form that saw him earn his first Springbok cap in November last year.

We can’t forget the likes of Philip van der Walt, who was a standout in the Sharks pack last year. Jean Deysel, given that he can stay uninjured this season, is also a highly experienced and physical player.

Francois Kleinhans and Tera Mtembu will hope to get a look in as well. When both players are fit, they bring a different dimension to the Sharks pack. Sharks coach Rob du Preez is lucky to have so many quality players in his ranks ahead of what promises to be another gruelling Super Rugby season.

Considering the competition among the loosies, Vermeulen admits that he has his work cut out if he is to make his Super Rugby debut.

“Not at the start. They are at the front of the line; they’re the starters because they’ve been in the team. It’s not like I am going to walk into the team, I need to work my way in. I’m going to do my best to try and make a spot for myself.”

Nevertheless the amiable Vermuelen seems to be enjoying his new home. Having grown up in the Cape, the 21-year-old said deciding to pack his bags was a tough decision.

“At the start it was a very difficult decision to make. In the end, after the first week of being in Durban it felt like I was at home. All the guys were very welcoming so it was quite easy for me to adapt to being in Durban.”

The Sharks start their Super Rugby season in Brisbane, with a clash against the Reds on February 24.