Duane's world
DUANE VERMEULEN laughs when reminded about plans that were put in place immediately after the Springboks’ World Cup victory in Japan. The South African franchises were meant to kick on and challenge for the Super Rugby trophy. The Boks, with new coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus calling the shots, were meant to use the Tests against Scotland and Georgia – scheduled for July – to blood new players and try new combinations with a view to the future.
The Boks were meant to ride the momentum of three Test wins into the Rugby Championship and the subsequent northern hemisphere tour. By early 2021, Nienaber and Erasmus expected to have experienced options across all positions at their disposal. They felt they would be more than well prepared to battle the British & Irish Lions and add to their legacy.
The Covid-19 crisis has laid waste
