Friday’s URC match between Ulster and the Stormers in Belfast will feature two of South Africa’s most physical forwards, says MARIETTE ADAMS.
In recent years, Duane Vermeulen has been one of the most consistent players in international rugby. He has been the Springboks’ go-to player and has produced on practically every occasion for club and country.
But Vermeulen will be the first to acknowledge that he was not at his most physical when his Ulster squad faced Evan Roos and the Stormers last season.
In the inaugural United Rugby Championship match between the teams in March 2022 at Cape Town Stadium, his performance was not awful. But in that game, he was physically overpowered by Roos, and for a player of his stature and caliber, it would have been a blow.
The second matchup between the expanding Springbok No. 8s in Cape Town occurred in the URC semi-final. Even though he was not his normal wrecking ball self, Vermeulen had a really good game, upsetting the Stormers at the breakdown and forcing Ulster to make some crucial mistakes.
Nonetheless, it was his opponent, Roos, who emerged victorious in their personal combat after brutally defeating Vermeulen, one of his childhood heroes.
Springboks Evan Roos and Duane Vermeulen to meet in the URC Springboks Evan Roos and Duane Vermeulen.
Now, the stage is set for the continuation of Vermeulen vs. Roos. The master vs the pupil, and this time it could very well be an audition for the No. 8 Springbok shirt.
The 36-year-old Vermeulen performs a mountain of work at the breakdown, in possession of the ball, and most notably in defense. As this is a World Cup year, it seems likely that this will be his final season at the highest level, and he will want to go out on his own terms. And imparting a lesson to the heir to his No. 8 throne will go a long way.
Given what has occurred before, it is possible that the Irish throng in Belfast will witness a display of magnificent cruelty on Friday. Sadly, it is likely to originate from two South Africans on opposing sides.
What occurs when an immovable item encounters an unstoppable force? Discover in the upcoming episode of The King and His Heir.
»URC match of the week: Vermeulen vs. Roos vying for the No. 8 Springbok jersey«