Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is reportedly in discussion with Japanese club Kubota Spears for the release of Duane ‘Thor” Vermeulen to help his team strike down New Zealand in their Rugby Championship clash in three weeks’ time.
Erasmus is keen to strengthen his side after suffering an “embarrassing” 32-19 defeat to Argentina last weekend.
And while Vermeulen, who was set to miss the hele tournament, might not be back in time for next weekend’s match against Australia, the No.8 might be released for the Boks’ clash against the world champs.
It is understood that Spears coach Frans Ludeke will set Thor free if there is a formal request from Saru.
But while Vermeulen might be added to the squad, Erasmus will not tinker with his team, who dropped to seventh in the latest world rankings, too much for the clash against the Wallabies.
He explains: “We had certain plans that we wanted to try against Australia, but that’s out the window now... it’s win at all costs now.”