Veteran Western Province scrumhalf Jano Vermaak has been called up to the Springbok squad to resume a Test career that began and stalled in 2013. The Boks suffered a significant blow after Saturday’s 37-15 win over Argentina in Port Elizabeth with the news that scrumhalf Ross Cronjé would miss this week’s return clash against the Pumas in Salta. Vermaak brings a wealth of experience to the position and could be a useful backup for Elton Jantjies, although his only taste of Test rugby was four years ago when he debuted in a 44-10 win against Italy. He also twice came off the bench against Australia and New Zealand. Vermaak plays a similar game to Cronjé with a decent tactical kicking game as well as nippy service. He has been part of the wider Bok training group all season‚ so will be familiar with the team’s tactics. Francois Hougaard‚ second-choice halfback behind Cronjé‚ is now likely to start in Salta this weekend with either Vermaak or Rudy Paige taking his place on the bench. B...
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