Duane Vermeulen confronts count down to last days in Springbok jersey
By Kate Nokwe
10th July 2023
Springbok stand-in captain Duane Vermeulen has confronted the reality that his time in green and gold is nearing an end, just like that of most of his 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning teammates.
The colossal number 8 once again proved his worth in Saturday's 43-12 drubbing of Australia in the Rugby Championship match at Loftus.
Vermeulen, who turned 37 last week, says he tries to live in those borrowed moments.
"I would love to keep on playing, but, you know, sometimes you've got to realise your time is also running out, and you don't know when is your last game, so I try to enjoy every single moment out there," said Vermeulen.
"Especially with this win [over Australia], it ticks a different box and it hits somewhere pretty close to your heart."
Vermeulen, who made his debut against the Wallabies in the same competition back in 2012, admits he has been surrounded by a special group of late.
"It was a special performance with a special group of guys, and not just players – it's a special group of coaches, management, everyone.
"Some day it will all come to an end, and you've just got to enjoy every single minute, second, whatever, of it."
