Whiteley to replace Vermeulen?

Cape Town - Assistant Springbok coach Matthew Proudfoot says Warren Whiteley's leadership could help the Springboks massively this Saturday. 

In the wake of Duane Vermeulen's elbow injury, Warren Whitely could get his first starting berth for the Springboks when they play their final Test against Ireland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Although Whiteley has not joined in on contact sessions over the past few days, he should be ready to play Ireland this weekend.

Proudfoot lauded Whiteley's all round abilities.

"Warren is a really intelligent player, he’s very sharp. He’s a good lineout exponent and quick off the base, but what’s amazed me is his leadership. The way he leads the guys around him is phenomenal and he has an unbelievable work ethic," Proudfoot told SA Rugby Magazine.

"We had a chat on Monday evening and I said to him that what I really respect is the way he leads the guys, and I really think he makes the job easier for Adriaan and he aligns a lot of the fringe players, and that’s crucial in the squad."