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Vermaak could start for Boks

Cape Town - Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak could make his Springbok debut against Italy at Kings Park on Saturday.

According to the Cape Times, the 28-year-old will be handed the No 9 jersey in one South Africa's next three Tests, with this weekend's game in Durban a distinct possibility.

The Bulls scrumhalf was on Saturday included in coach Heyneke Meyer's 34-man squad ahead of the Incoming Series involving South Africa, Italy, Scotland and Samoa. He is one of three scrumhalves in the squad, with Francois Hougaard and Ruan Pienaar being the others.

Vermaak has largely outshone Bulls team-mate Hougaard this season, with the latter struggling with an ankle injury for large parts. And with Ulster's Pienaar not being able to attend the two Bok training camps due to club commitments, a starting role for Vermaak against Italy would make sense.

He toured with the Springboks around the world in 2012, but did not come on to the field and is yet to earn his first Test cap.

The clash at Kings Park kicks off at 17:15 on Saturday.

Springbok squad:

Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Marcell Coetzee, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Juandré Kruger, Lappies Labuschagne, Francois Louw, Beast Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Pierre Spies, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe.

Backs: Gio Aplon, Bjorn Basson, Jean de Villiers (captain), Juan de Jongh, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Zane Kirchner, Pat Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Pienaar, Jan Serfontein, Morné Steyn, Jano Vermaak.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who would you pick at scrumhalf for the Springboks? Jano Vermaak, Ruan Pienaar or Francois Hougaard? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
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