Vunipola is a big loss, says Vermeulen

South Africa have set their sights on a Test series whitewash and believe that England will “struggle” in Cape Town without Billy Vunipola.

Duane Vermeulen, the Springbok No8 who was man of the match in the 23-12 victory in the second Test in Bloemfontein on Saturday, says England are not the same team without Vunipola, who returned home yesterday after re-fracturing the arm that sidelined him for four months earlier in the season. “I saw him go down and thought it was his shoulder at first,” said Vermeulen. “He is definitely England’s go-forward guy and, without him, I saw in the Six Nations they struggled. They need that guy. That is a big loss if he is out.”

Vermeulen praised the impact of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who has transformed the side after just three games, clinching the series against England despite fielding an inexperienced line-up.

“It’s been a big start for us and definitely the start of a new era,” Vermeulen said. “There are a lot of youngsters in the squad. We had a capping ceremony where there were 16 new guys being capped. Surely that is unprecedented. And what has been good is that all of them have put up their hands. There is a lot of excitement building up to next year’s World Cup.

“This [series win] was just the first hurdle for us and next week will be another hurdle for us. There is a goal we are working towards. We don’t know what team Rassie will pick, but if we can win 3-0 then we want to do that.”