Duane Vermeulen called into Bok squad

Cape Town - Experienced No 8 Duane Vermeulen has been called up to the Springbok squad as replacement for tighthead Coenie Oosthuizen, who sustained a serious knee injury on Saturday in Dublin.

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Oosthuizen underwent a scan before flying home from Dublin, and the results showed that he has sustained medial collateral (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage which will require surgery and an extended period of time of out of the game.

Vermeulen, who plays for French club Toulon, is set to join the Springbok squad on Monday at their base in Paris.

He has been capped 37 times by the Boks, with all of those coming in the No 8 jersey. 

Vermeulen is likely to replace loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, will miss Saturday’s Test against the French because of concussion he suffered against Ireland. He left the field in the closing minutes of play after receiving a blow to his head.

The Springboks started their preparations with a gym and field training session on Monday.

The team to play against France at the Stade France will be confirmed on Thursday.

Saturday's match kicks off at 21:45 (SA time). 

UPDATE - Experienced No 8 Duane Vermeulen called up as a replacement for injured Coenie Oosthuizen. Pieter-Steph du Toit ruled out for this week with concussion.

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) November 13, 2017