Jano Vermaak
3-Times capped Springbok Jano Vermaak is returning home to South Africa with a World Cup dream.
The 30-year-old, who has been a shining star for the revitalised French giants Toulouse in the Top 14, spoke from the city in the southwest of France.
He was quite open about his goals, although there remains some uncertainty about which team he will use as – hopefully – as a springboard to a World Cup spot.
“I am coming back to South Africa with the goal of giving myself a chance of possibly getting into the World Cup squad,” the 30-year-old scrumhalf said.
“At this stage I do not yet know which team I will be playing for in South Africa,” Vermaak said, adding: “I have a few options, but we’ll make that call in the next month or so.”
He said he simply can’t wait to be back in SA and will arrive after the completion of the French Top 14 season in May, or June if Toulouse make the play-offs.
That will give him 3 or 4 weeks of Super Rugby to have a crack at a World Cup spot.
He revealed that Bok coach Heyneke Meyer and members of when his coaching panel chatted to him when they were on a European excursion earlier.
“They told us what is expected of us,” said the No 9, who earned all of 3 his caps in 2013 – against Italy, Australia and New Zealand.
“Obviously there are no promises, but I want to come back to give myself the best shot of being in the World Cup squad.”
For those who doubt Vermaak’s World Cup prospect, a video copy of Toulouse’s come-from-behind 34 / 24 triumph over defending champions Toulon last week will be a perfect example of his improved skillsets.
Vermaak took to the field as an injury-replacement in the 35th minute, with Toulon leading 18 / 0, and proceded to change the course of the match.
In fact he scored the match-winning try in the 77th minute and also played a big role in 2 of Toulouse other tries.
His performance earned him a place at scrumhalf in the French media’s Team of the Week.
Vermaak attributed his improved form to hard work in the last 2 years.
“I have worked very hard on my kicking game,” he said from Toulouse, adding: “The game is obviously a bit slower here and more physical .
“Your kicking game and defence are vital.
“I have also worked on improving the speed of my clearing passes.
“In the 2 years that I was here I played with some great players, like Thierry Dusautoir and Vincent Clerc. I have certainly learnt a lot in my stay here.”
He will also have benefited from European Cup excursions to the United Kingdom with Toulouse, where they faced teams like Saracens and Glasgow.
“We played a number of games in the rain, which helps. I have made some adjustments to be able to play in rain.”
Vermaak, born in Graaff-Reinet, has been linked to a move to the Stormers – although there has been interest from other franchises.
The Cell C Sharks – who already have Springbok Jaco Reinach and Conrad Hoffman in their ranks, will also get Michael Claassens back from France.
The Bulls, where Vermaak played after having started his 1st-class career at the Lions, have 3 scrumhalves in Rudy Paige, Piet van Zyl and Francois Hougaard, who has been playing on the wing this season.
The Lions have Ross Cronje and Francois de Klerk, who will return to the Pumas for the Currie Cup season.
The Cheetahs have Sarel Pretorius, Tiaan Meyer and Shaun Venter.
With rumours rife that Nic Groom is heading to France, Louis Schreuder is the Stormers’ 1st-choice at No 9.
It would suggest Vermaak’s best chance of regular game time is with the Cape Town-based franchise.
He has made 30-odd appearances for Toulouse since joining them in 2013, with 75 caps for the Lions (2005 to 2011) and 29 for the Bulls (2012 and 2013).
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