Duane Vermeulen determined to keep contributing to Bok cause

Vermeulen will wear the captain's armband for this week's clash against the Wallabies in Pretoria, but with the likes of Jasper Wiese and Evan Roos also fighting for the starting No 8 spot in France later this year, he knows he faces some stiff competition to secure a regular place in the side.

Already an all-time Bok great and a World Cup winner to boot, Vermeulen would be forgiven for marching off into the sunset, but he's determined to keep fighting for his place in the squad as - according to him - there's no better feeling in the world.

"I am still keen on playing," Vermeulen told the media in Pretoria on Friday.

"My thing is, I want to contribute as much as I can. If it's on the pitch and playing or if it's off the pitch supporting the guys and helping the younger guys coming through.

"If I can be a part of this squad, it's the best feeling in the world for me. That's my personal view. Everyone has their own view about it.

"I would love to contribute in any way that I can and for as long as I can. If I am a player or if not, that's up to the guys who make the decisions."

Of being handed the captaincy, Vermeulen said: "It's unbelievable to have the honour of leading a Springbok team, and we'll go out there and give our best. There are a few players in the team that have captained their club or franchise teams, so we can make decisions together."