Boks' sights set on Les Bleus in November, says Vermeulen

Duane Vermeulen says the Springboks’ sights are firmly set on the French as the two powerhouses will meet in Paris in November.  

It will be an occasion keenly observed around the globe over as the World Champions’ authority is sure to be enthusiastically challenged by Les Bleus who, many feel, are the rightful number 1 team in the world after fantastic recent form which has yielded victories over the All Blacks as well as a Grand Slam in the 2022 Six Nations. 

The last time the teams met, it was the South Africans who took the spoils – a last-gasp effort in Paris: 

Interestingly, the French have not tasted victory over the Boks since 2009. 

“France are definitely the team to beat in 2022,” Vermeulen said, speaking to sarugbymag.co.za. “They’re looking like a well-oiled machine, and we will have to be at our best when we meet them this November … Ireland aren’t far off either. 

“It’s going to be tough to tackle those teams back to back, and it’s fair to say that we will have to make a step up from our performances in 2021 if we are going to succeed. It’s going to be a demanding year, but it may bring out the best in us.” 

The Boks are set to face Wales in July before the Rugby Championship kicks off in August. 

“It’s in the back of my mind, and I’m sure other South Africans across the local teams and European clubs feel the same way,” Vermeulen continued. “It’s going to be exciting when we come together in late June for our first training camp. We have a lot of hard work to do ahead of a big year for the team. 

“There are going to be some challenges, and ultimately we are going to see where we stand a year out from the World Cup. It’s important that we make a statement, and that we go into the 2023 season with a good chance of defending our title.”