Nienaber provides update on Springbok stalwart duo

Springbok boss Jacques Nienaber included two stalwarts in his Rugby Championship squad in the forms of Duane Vermeulen and Francois Steyn. Both veterans, however, are coming off injuries and Nienaber has given an update on their current condition. The duo have grown into significant crowd favourites and their presence and experience on the pitch would be greatly welcomed by Bok supporters as they tackle the wounded and dangerous All Blacks in two Tests on the Highveld. 

“If you have an older group, you got to manage their load,” Nienaber told reporters on Wednesday. 

“If players are 22 or 23, they can handle the load and they just recover a little bit quicker. 

“If you are a little bit older like most of us then you do have to look after the bodies. 

“We got them in to have a look at them [Vermeulen and Steyn]. 

“They have been busy with rehab, so we wanted to have a good look at them under our medical staff and see where they are at. 

Unfortunately, as things stand, it does not seem like Vermeulen will feature in the opening Test in Nelspruit. 

“Duane hasn’t had a rugby session yet, so I think it would be tough to get him in the mix,” Nienaber continued. 

“He is still busy with his return-to-play rehab protocols.” 

With regard to Steyn, things are looking more positive. 

“Frans is in training sessions, so he is training with us. 

“He also started his pre-season with the Cheetahs last week. 

“It means he has got one week under the belt already and now he has this week with us. 

“We wanted to have a look at their conditioning and where their rugby skills are at and then we will make an informed decision on selection next week.”