Duane slams ‘shocking WP defence’

Cape Town - Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has hit out at his former team, Western Province, who are struggling in this year’s Currie Cup Premier Division.

John Dobson’s WP suffered a humiliating 58-32 to the Golden Lions in Johannesburg at the weekend, with the home side running in eight tries against a defence that at times looked almost non-existent.

Earlier in the season, WP also leaked several tires in a 45-26 loss to the Blue Bulls in Pretoria, while a home loss to Free State has left them in danger of missing out on a playoffs spot.

After watching Friday night’s match at Ellis Park, Vermeulen lashed out at WP, tweeting: “Can someone please say who is in charge of WP Rugby’s defence??? It’s shocking… Cannot believe things change so quickly."

Vermeulen, who currently plays his club rugby at Toulon in France, was part of WP/Stormers teams that became renowned for its staunch defence under Allister Coetzee as coach.

Paul Treu is the coach currently in charge on the team’s defence after he was appointed by WP Rugby at the end of 2014.

When Treu’s appointment was made official by WP, it was said that he would be “allowed to gradually grow accustomed” to their structures to become defence coach.

Kan iemand my asb sê wie doen @WP_RUGBY se defense??? Dis shocking..... Kan nie glo dinge verander so vinnig nie.

— Duane Vermeulen (@duane_vermeulen) September 9, 2016