White recalls Vermeulen for clash with Stormers

Bulls rugby coach Jake White has recalled Springbok number eight Duane Vermeulen to the starting line-up for their Rainbow Cup SA match against the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Captain Vermeulen missed last weekend’s win over the Lions at Loftus as he was rested due to an agreement that franchises have with the Springbok coaches after alignment camps. Prop Trevor Nyakane sat out last week as well, and will also miss this clash.

White made minor tweaks to the team that won the opening round match over the Lions and Vermeulen’s return sees Nizaam Carr dropping to the bench.

The Bulls coach is hoping that the experienced Carr‚ who captained the team in the absence of Vermeulen last week and during some of the preparation matches‚ provides the necessary impact when called upon in the later stages.

He has adjusted his backs with a direct exchange of James Verity-Amm and Chris Smith‚ switching positions with David Kriel and Morné Steyn respectively.

With the heavies upfront‚ White made only one change besides the return of Vermeulen, with Walt Steenkamp starting in the number four jersey.

On the bench‚ he is going to rely on the vast experience of players like Lizo Gqoboka‚ Carr and Arno Botha‚ and youngsters like Schalk Erasmus and Zak Burger.

“Last week certainly proved how vital it is that we continue getting as much competitive rugby as we can under our belts‚” he said.