Share

Read's best, Duane not bad...

Cape Town - According to Sport24 readers, All Black Kieran Read is the best eighthman in the world, but Springbok Duane Vermeulen is a close second.

In a recent interview former Springbok coach Nick Mallett said Vermeulen could become as good as Read, who he said was the best No 8 in the world.

"I think Duane has the ability to get to Read's level. Read is currently the world's best eighthman because he is so skillful with ball in hand, irrespective of all his other qualities.

"(But) Duane has really emerged as South Africa's top eighthman. He proved the notion wrong that he is not quick and skillful," said Mallett.

The majority of Sport24 readers agreed that Read was currently the world's top No 8 with 55% of the votes cast, but as many as 40% said they would prefer the services of Duane Vermeulen if they were picking a team of the best players available.

Mallett added that with Vermeulen's form, Bulls No 8 Pierre Spies would struggle to make the Springbok team. Spies appears to have fallen out of favour with the fans after suffering an injury earlier this season, receiving only 3% of the vote.

Sport24 asked:

"If you were an international rugby coach, who would you select at No 8 - if available?"

These were the results:

55% - Kieran Read
40% - Duane Vermeulen
3% - Pierre Spies
2% - AN Other


Duane Vermeulen won the man of the match award against the Sharks. (Gallo Images)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE