Former Springbok hard man Duane Vermeulen took a lighthearted pop at young England tearaway Henry Pollock on Monday.
The Springboks play their Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park on 4 July and the striking blond tyro is sure to attract a lot of attention from home fans – and the Springbok heavies.
Speaking at a Springbok media day in Cape Town, Vermeulen said: “I think it’s going to be interesting when the boys hit the ground in that first Test. Yuss, I would love to then have a comeback … even if it is only for 10 minutes.”
Vermeulen, who is now part of SA Rugby’s mobi-coaching unit and helps with the Boks among other national teams, was asked about his thoughts on Pollock.
“He is a young kid who obviously got the opportunity to play. If you look back at Schalk Burger when he came on the scene, all that blonde hair, you first saw the hair and then you only see the tackle.
“But he [Pollock] has got his following and he’s got his people that like him and there’s a hell of a lot of people that obviously dislike him. But he plays and he has an impact and he brings excitement to the game.
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“The youngsters bring massive energy and push the experienced guys to stay sharp,” he added. “He’s a character on and off the field, but when he plays, he plays his part. He’s a good player.”
When Henry Pollock spotted a blonde wig in the crowd
The 21-year-old has been handed his first Test start for England who face Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 21 February
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Vermeulen, meanwhile, admits the move from enforcer to mentor was not seamless, but he is now firmly settled into life on the other side of the whitewash.
“A couple of months ago I was almost on the bench [for the match against Wales in Cardiff due to squad injuries], so I don’t know where I am at the moment,” the former Springbok No 8 joked.
“But in all seriousness, the first year was difficult. You go from playing alongside the guys to telling them, ‘Listen, you’ve got to do this.’ That’s not always easy.”
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However, Vermeulen says time and open dialogue have made the transition smoother.
“Over the last couple of years you become more comfortable. Whether it’s breakdown work, lineout defence or general play, you sit with the players and explain what you see. There’s good buy-in because we discuss everything as coaches first, then you give feedback. I’m really enjoying it.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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