News

Duane Vermeulen to Captain Springboks in Rugby Championship Opener

July 5, 2023

1 min read

Duane Vermeulen, a veteran loose forward, has been selected to captain the Springboks in their opening match of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Australia. The match will be held at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. This is not Vermeulen’s first time leading South Africa’s national rugby team, as he has done so twice before.

A Blend of Experience and New Talent

The South African team comprises a mix of Rugby World Cup winners and talented newcomers. Jean Kleyn, a former Ireland international lock, will be making his debut and earning his first Springbok Test cap. Manie Libbok and Marco van Staden, a flyhalf and a loose forward respectively, will also be making their first starts for the team. The combination of experienced and new talent will provide a dynamic and robust performance on the field.

Innovative Approach

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has taken an innovative approach to maximize the team’s chances in the upcoming matches. He named 14 players who will leave early for New Zealand on Tuesday to acclimatize and prepare for the first two Tests. This strategic move demonstrates Nienaber’s commitment to providing the team with every possible advantage.

Vermeulen Takes the Captain’s Armband

Affectionately known as ‘Thor’ by his fans, Vermeulen takes over the captain’s armband from the injured Siya Kolisi. He will be part of a formidable loose trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Van Staden, ready to take on the Wallabies. Nienaber expressed confidence in his choice, stating, “Our plan from the outset was to select a squad that we believe has what it takes to beat Australia.”

Squad Selection Rationale

Nienaber further elaborated on the rationale behind the squad selection, stating, “This squad features several Rugby World Cup winners and a crop of younger players who have done the job for us at the highest level, and judging by their enthusiasm and high work ethic at training, we know they are the right players for this big task.”

Quality Leadership

Nienaber is pleased to have a leader of Vermeulen’s caliber to guide the team into battle. The coach had multiple options for potential captains, ultimately choosing Duane Vermeulen and appointing Lukhanyo as vice-captain for the match. “They are both quality leaders, and they’ll have a lot of experience around them on the field, which is fantastic for us as coaches,” Nienaber commented.

Anticipation Builds

The anticipation for the opening match of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the performance of this diverse and talented Springbok squad. Led by the experienced and steadfast Duane Vermeulen, the team is poised to face Australia with determination and skill, showcasing the best of South African rugby. As the players prepare for the challenge ahead, the world watches with bated breath, ready to witness yet another thrilling chapter in the annals of rugby history.

Knoflokskraal: Reclaiming Roots in the Elgin Valley

Knoflokskraal is a small farming community in South Africa’s Elgin Valley where mostly Khoisan people have settled to reclaim their ancestral land. Since 2020, they’ve turned wild bushland into fields of crops and homes, striving to live independently despite facing tough challenges like water shortages and government restrictions. The settlers work hard to build a future rooted in their history and culture, showing strong hope and resilience even when the odds are against them. Their story is about more than just land—it’s about identity, survival, and the dream of belonging.

Eskom’s Struggles and Efforts: A Journey Through South Africa’s Energy Crisis

Eskom, South Africa’s main electricity provider, is facing tough times in an ongoing energy crisis. With power outages called load shedding becoming a regular part of life, the company struggles to meet its energy goals, recording a low energy availability factor of just 60.6% for 2025. Despite efforts to improve maintenance and reduce reliance on expensive diesel, challenges like high debt and outdated infrastructure make it hard for Eskom to keep the lights on. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as renewable energy projects and efficiency improvements show promise for a brighter future.

Latest from Blog

saldanha bay legal case human trafficking trial south africa

Legal Crossroads in Saldanha Bay: The Joshlin Smith Case

The Joshlin Smith case in Saldanha Bay is a tense legal battle about serious human trafficking charges involving a missing child. The quiet fishing town became a spotlight for grief and hope as the courtroom drama unfolded, relying heavily on witness testimony with little physical proof. The defense challenged the weak evidence, while the community and media watched closely, showing how justice is both a legal fight and a story told through public eyes. This case reveals South Africa’s struggle to find truth and fairness amid deep pain and uncertainty.

wildfires cape town table mountain ecology

Wildfire on Table Mountain: Cape Town’s Annual Battle Against the Flames

Each dry summer, wildfires sweep across Cape Town’s Table Mountain, driven by hot winds, invasive plants, and sometimes human carelessness. These fires roar quickly through thick fynbos, threatening rare plants and homes alike, while firefighters battle bravely from land and sky to control the flames. The community comes together, sending supplies and support, showing how deeply Cape Towners care for their mountain. Though fire is part of nature’s cycle, climate change and frequent blazes put this delicate balance at risk, making every effort to protect Table Mountain more important than ever.

south africa vat reversal public protest impact

Public Outcry and a Policy Reversed: The Scrapping of South Africa’s VAT Hike

South Africa decided not to raise VAT by 0.5% after a big public outcry. People worried the extra tax would make life harder with rising prices and many without jobs. Protests, legal fights, and political pressure made the government change its mind. This choice shows how South Africans’ voices can shape important government decisions. Now, the country faces new challenges to find money without hurting its people.

Miracle on the Rails: Four Women Transform a Cape Town Commute

One busy morning on a Cape Town train, four women from Herschel Girls’ School helped a young mother give birth right there in the crowded carriage. With calm hearts and quick thinking, they cleared space, sang songs of hope, and supported her through the pain. When baby Grace cried for the first time, passengers cheered, turning the train into a joyful celebration. This amazing act of kindness showed how ordinary people can come together to create miracles in the most surprising moments.

cape town rugby united rugby championship

Saturday Night Rugby: Cape Town’s Urban Festival Unfolds

Saturday Night Rugby in Cape Town lights up the city with a mix of thrilling rugby, music, and fun for families. Fans dressed in blue gather early to welcome the Stormers, turning the streets and stadium into a buzzing playground of cheers, food, and games. The city blends sport and culture seamlessly, with special transport making sure everyone moves smoothly through the lively crowds. As rugby and jazz fans fill the night, Cape Town shines bright, celebrating community, tradition, and the joy of being together.

the ultimate mother city guide