Duane Vermeulen is unlikely to be considered for selection for the Springboks’ Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday August 6.

The 61-cap Springbok underwent knee surgery on June 14 and began rehabilitation.

Vermeulen was selected as a member of the Rugby Championship squad last week.

The South African coach, Jacques Nienaber, said at an online press conference in Hazyview yesterday that the loose forward has not returned to full training with the squad.

“Duane has not had a rugby [training] session with us yet. It will be tough to get him in the mix. He is still busy with his return to play. The key thing was to get them [Vermeulen and Frans Steyn] in the squad to see where their conditioning is at. We need to see how Duane copes and then make an informed decision next week,” the Boks’ coach said.

Nienaber said the team and backroom staff were excited to be in the Lowveld.

“It’s a privilege to be playing in Mbombela. We had a training session in Hazyview today [Wednesday] and there was a mass of children watching us.  It was awesome for them to see their heroes. The people [of Hazyview] have welcomed us with open arms. They are bending backwards to help and accommodate us. It is remarkable to see the support we have in this part of South Africa. It is special for us to be here,” Nienaber said.

The Springboks will arrive in Mbombela tomorrow, July 29, to continue their preparations for the match.