De Jongh Borchardt

Johannesburg – Lions scrumhalf Jano Vermaak is hoping to realise his dream of playing for South Africa one day, but knows he’s up against it with the quality of No 9s available to the Springboks.

“It’s still a dream, but we are blessed with very talented scrumhalves in South Africa,” said Vermaak, who has represented South Africa at schools, under-19, under-21 and sevens level.

“The competition between the scrumhalves is good. Fourie du Preez and Ricky Januarie have been in the picture for a long time, and Rory Kockott is coming through strongly. Rory also kicks well at posts.

“For me the important thing is not to compare myselves with them, but rather to ensure I’m happy with my performances when I walk off the field.”

That should mean Vermaak has been a happy man of late. While the Lions have played in fits and starts, he has performed consistently well.

His tactical kicking – he can kick with both feet – and good defence makes him an imporrtant link in the Lions’ chain. He has an eye for a gap and is quick off the mark, which makes him a dangerous opponent.

Vermaak (24) can also kick for posts, but the Lions have two good goalkickers in André Pretorius and Earl Rose.

“Yes, I’m practising my kicking and my rhythm is good. I kicked at posts for a while last year and enjoyed it,” he said.

“The presence of André and Earl takes that pressure off my shoulders, but I won’t stand back if required.”

Vernaak is a man for the big moment, though he’s small of stature at 77kg and 1.77m.

“Sevens taught me to avoid contact. Believe me, if someone like Bakkies Botha wants to tackle you, you’d rather run around him than over him!”

He has learned the short cuts in 42 Super14 games. If he continues down this track, he should earn a few Springbok caps eventually.

Meanwhile, the Lions have picked Leopards centre Deon van Rensburg and loose forward Robert Kruger as newcomers for their Super14 tour, which starts against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Lions tour squad is:

Louis Ludik, Shandré Frolick, Ashwin Willemse, Henno Mentz, Deon van Rensburg, Jaque Fourie, Doppies la Grange, André Pretorius, Earl Rose, Jano Vermaak, Chris Jonck, Ernst Joubert, Willem Alberts, Robert Kruger, Todd Clever, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), Franco van der Merwe, Jannes Labuschagne, Gerhard Mostert, Anton van Zyl, Gert Muller, Lawrence Sephaka, Willie Wepener, Hans van Dyk, Heinke van der Merwe, JC van Rensburg.