Bad news for Springboks as Duane Vermeulen’s ankle ‘doesn’t look good’

The Springboks were dealt a potentially major blow on Friday as Bulls No 8 Duane Vermeulen left the field with an ankle injury against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.

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The Bulls went on to narrowly win the Rainbow Cup SA clash 31-27, but it came at quite a cost, with coach director of rugby Jake White admitting Vermeulen’s injury “doesn’t look too good”.

Duane Vermeulen, who was named man-of-the-match in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, limped off in the 33rd minute of the contest and looked in obvious pain.

He was later seen with his left ankle on ice.

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Unfortunately for Springbok fans and coach Jacques Nienaber, the early indications don’t look too positive.

“It doesn’t look too good, I must say,” White said after the match.

“He’s a tough guy and for him to say he wants to come off is not ideal. We know that if he says he’s sore, then it means something.

“He said he was feeling a bit sore.”

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White revealed that Duane Vermeulen had hurt the same ankle with a “different injury a couple of weeks ago.”

“He’s obviously got ambitions of being involved in the Springbok side and playing against the Lions,” White said.

“I’m hoping for his sake that it’s just a minor twist in his ankle.”

The first Test between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions is scheduled for Saturday, 24 July – exactly seven weeks from today.

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