Duane Vermeulen downplays Springboks' breakdown woes against All Blacks

Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen believes their issues at the breakdown are not as dire as many are making them out to be — despite again appearing second best in that area against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

The attacking breakdown has been a thorn in the Boks’ side this season, with both Italy and Australia exploiting it to great effect before the South Africans travelled to New Zealand.

At Eden Park, it seemed a familiar story as the All Blacks slowed down Bok ball, pounced on counter-rucking opportunities and secured crucial turnovers throughout the match.

Italy flooded the breakdown in their opening match at Loftus Versfeld and could well have stolen the result had they not fallen so far behind in the first half. Against the Wallabies at Ellis Park, the Boks squandered a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22, with their breakdown efficiency unravelling in the second half.

Yet Vermeulen — a former Springbok No 8 renowned for his own breakdown prowess — insisted the situation is being exaggerated and that the team are more focused on their overall game ahead of Saturday’s second Rugby Championship clash in Wellington.

“So, they poached our balls twice and had maybe just one counter-ruck. If you look at a Test match, which goes for 80 minutes, I don't really think it's a massive talking point,” said Vermeulen.

“Obviously, we try to put pressure on our opposition as well. Yes, they've done a couple of things, but it's not exposing us. The focus will always be there when you play a game.

“But our overall game is probably the biggest talking point. I don't want to go into specifics.”

Regardless of Vermeulen’s assessment, one player who will have a major influence at the breakdown — and in the Boks’ physicality stakes — is returning No 8 Jasper Wiese, fresh off yet another suspension.

Wiese, who served a ban last season and another earlier this year, was handed a four-week suspension for a headbutt on an Italian player in the second Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

The Leicester Tigers powerhouse is a force with ball in hand and a destructive presence at the ruck — capable of halting opposition momentum and securing turnovers. The challenge, however, is keeping him on the field long enough to make that impact.

“It's great to have Jasper back in the mix. Obviously, he's one of the guys that really gives us go-forward ball. We're looking forward to seeing what he brings to the game,” said Vermeulen.

“We still play with a good pack, but he can be the link between the pack and the backline. We selected an exciting backline, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he brings to the party.”

Vermeulen, who has played many Tests against the All Blacks, will be a crucial sounding board for the youthful Bok squad named for Saturday — a match which could define their Rugby Championship campaign.

“I can maybe just talk about the environment. Obviously, a couple of guys are still playing from when I played, so it's a little bit different. But all the coaches have given their input,” said Vermeulen.

“Tony Brown shared quite a lot with the backs. But yeah, apart from that, the guys who played last weekend obviously shared their bit as well.”