Boks weighing No 8 options ahead of Lions tour

SPRINGBOK assistant coach Deon Davids says Number 8 Duane Vermeulen will have a role to play against the British & Irish Lions, be it off the field or on it.

The World Cup-winning loose forward is busy with rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on the ankle injury he sustained in the Bulls' Rainbow Cup South Africa match against the Stormers earlier this month.

Initially, Jacques Nienaber said that he could spend anywhere between five and 16 weeks out of action, but the Bok coach also made it clear that an inch-perfect prognosis wouldn't be possible at that stage, or until the surgeon has had a proper look.

“He is busy with his rehabilitation. He is also in contact in terms of how his progress is going,” forwards coach

Davids said.

“We expect him to join our group in the next couple of weeks and we are looking forward to having him part of our squad, whether his contribution will be off the field or on it.

“We would like to have that experience with our preparation going forward.”

The Bok coaching staff have hinted that they weren't focused on bringing in a replacement for Vermeulen, but Davids yesterday said that they have an “open mind” as they approach Georgia and the Lions.

The Boks will face Georgia in two Tests as a precursor to the Lions series, with the first Test set to take place in Pretoria next Friday and the second one scheduled for 7 July in Johannesburg.

Davids mentioned that they have a few options to fill the gap and ran through a number of names that are being considered and can play themselves into contention in the first two international run-outs.

“At this stage, we have an open mind in terms of our approach,” Davids said.

“I think we've got a couple of options available.

“In our training sessions, we have shifted players around and tested different combinations.

“We've got Kwagga (Smith) and there is also a new guy like Jasper Wiese that will come in. Dan du Preez has played Tests for South Africa.

“He (Du Preez) had a great game (last week in Sale Sharks' Premiership semi-final against Exeter Chiefs), so we will do a thorough assessment in terms of our available loose forwards.

“Hopefully, we will have a very clear understanding on Sunday and Monday in terms of what we want to do for the next two games.”