Versatile Vermeulen happy to work his way into the team
AT ONLY 21, Jacques Vermeulen is obviously a recruitment for the future at the Sharks.
The former Western Province man, who made quite an impact for the blue and white hoops in last year’s Currie Cup, optimises the types of signing the Sharks are looking to make in their “New Generation” phase.
Even while still under former director of rugby Gary Gold, the Sharks put a stake in the ground and decided to put their faith in youthful talent that can grow with the new culture bubbling up at the Sharks.
Players like Curwin Bosch, André Esterhuizen, Jean-Luc, Daniel du Preez and Thomas du Toit have had their shots, and shone brightly, and this is exactly what Vermeulen is hoping for from his move.
The burley blindsider, who is comfortable across the loose trio, is also happy to be patient and to wait for his time, as he knows there is a lot of good competition ahead of him in the forwards.
“I won’t be able to get straight into the team right from the start,” Vermeulen admitted.
“There are guys like the Du Preez twins who are the settled starters, and the frontliners, so it is not like I will stroll into the starting team. I need to work my way into it. The only way to do that is to work hard and be at my best to get a spot in the team.”
Vermeulen, who was at junior and senior school at Paarl Gimnasium, has taken a big step moving to Durban, having spent three years at Western Province straight out of school, but he feels it is a career move for him that will see him blossom.
Vermeulen has plenty to offer to the Sharks and seems an ideal loose forward for the game plan being implemented by coach Robert du Preez.
No longer just crash-andbash, the Sharks are demanding skilful and versatile forwards and with Vermeulen, athletically built and skilful with ball in hand, they have a man who can cover all positions in the loose forwards, as well as an able ball carrier.
“In the Sharks team there are a lot of good loose forwards,” Vermeulen explained. “But I can play six, seven and eight, but generally I play seven.
“I can also bring some running rugby, and with the team looking to play a brand of running rugby, and improve on that, I think I can bring something to the table there.”