Vermeulen faces race to be fit for World Cup
Star Springbok forward Duane Vermeulen will have a neck operation Wednesday and then face a race against the clock to be fit for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. "Duane will be put on an intensive post-operation rehabilitation programme and we will work tirelessly to get him ready for the World Cup," team doctor Craig Roberts said Monday. South Africa open their World Cup Pool B campaign on September 19 against Japan in southern coastal town Brighton. The surgery rules the 29-year-old No. 8 out of five pre-tournament matches during July and August, including a Rugby Championship clash with arch-foes New Zealand in Johannesburg. Western Stormer Vermeulen, who illustrates more than any other forward the ultra-physical South African approach, sustained the injury late in the Super 15 season. "This is a huge setback for us," admitted Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer. "As with any injury, it is something we simply have to overcome. "That Duane is a world-class player was underlined last year when he was named South African Rugby Player of the Year and nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year. "He is among the leaders in our squad and since making his debut in 2012 has become an integral member of the team." Roberts said: "Player welfare is very important which is why we made the decision for Duane to undergo surgery. "It is the best medium and long-term career option." Vermeulen will join European champions Toulon after the World Cup. Golden Lions skipper Warren Whiteley is the only other specialist No. 8 in the Springbok squad. Twice champions South Africa, rated by bookmakers with title-holders New Zealand and England as the likeliest World Cup winners, are grappling with a huge injury list. Veteran scrum-half Fourie du Preez, another key cog in the green-and-gold game plan, has also been ruled out of the build-up matches. Between July 11 and August 15, South Africa will host a World XV, New Zealand and Argentina and play Australia and Argentina away.
