Siya Kolisi Reflects on Training with Duane Vermeulen: A Coach and Mentor
Siya Kolisi, the captain of the Springboks, shares his thoughts on training with Duane Vermeulen, a 39-year-old veteran of the game. Vermeulen, a former player, has transitioned into coaching and is now an integral part of South Africa's Mobi-Unit, a rugby think tank.
Despite his retirement from playing in 2023 after a successful 12-year Test career, including back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, Vermeulen remains an influential figure in the team. With a lack of available players due to the club season, Vermeulen is the 25th man on the Springboks' roster, ready to step in if needed.
Kolisi praises Vermeulen's coaching skills, highlighting his ability to set mauls, tackle rucks, and challenge players at breakdowns. He appreciates the opportunity to train against a player of Vermeulen's caliber, even at his age.
The Springboks, currently ranked No.1 in the world, are preparing for a crucial Test match against Wales, who last held the top spot before the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Kolisi acknowledges the team's past struggles against Wales in Cardiff and emphasizes the importance of treating every opponent with respect.
As the Springboks aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Quilter Nations Series, Kolisi encourages his team to approach each game with intensity and adhere to their standards. He reflects on the team's evolution, noting that they have consistently adapted and improved while striving for victory.
The upcoming match against Wales promises to be a challenging one, and Kolisi is eager to face the opposition head-on. He believes that the team's focus and determination will be key to their success, drawing inspiration from Vermeulen's coaching and mentorship.
