Duane Vermeulen: A Springbok warrior from a very different mould to Henry Pollock

Duane Vermeulen, a Springbok warrior, possessed a different kind of toughness compared to Henry Pollock. As a young boy in De Doorns, Vermeulen played his first game of rugby barefoot in the middle of winter snow. He had just moved to the Western Cape from Nelspruit, where winters were mild. Despite losing his father to illness at a young age, Vermeulen strove to follow in his footsteps and make his mother proud. His dedication led him to become one of the Springboks' most formidable players.

Vermeulen's return to international rugby in 2015 was remarkable. After severely injuring his neck while playing for the Stormers in Super Rugby, he required three months of rehabilitation before being selected for the 2015 World Cup. Coach Heyneke Meyer initially excluded Vermeulen due to his neck injury, favoring other players instead.

However, Vermeulen's performance against Japan in the following week, where he played a full 84 minutes in a 46-6 defeat, showcased his resilience and strength. He was subsequently awarded Man of the Match for that performance.

Vermeulen's warrior spirit and dedication were evident throughout his career. He was never afraid of challenging situations and thrived under pressure. Vermeulen once explained that players who had experienced adversity, like losing a parent or having to take on responsibilities at a young age, were the ones who could be trusted to fight alongside him.

He valued players who had "nothing to lose" and understood the importance of perseverance and teamwork. After South Africa's victory in the 2019 World Cup final, Vermeulen reflected on the importance of character and the warrior gene in shaping a successful team. He emphasized that while a coach could teach technical skills, a player's character could not be taught or instilled.

Vermeulen's own tenacity and refusal to be deterred by hardship made him a valuable asset to the Springboks.