Vermaak to fill No 9 gap at WP
SCRUMHALF Jano Vermaak could be a shrewd acquisition for the Stormers and Western Province, coming as he does with a wealth of experience and skill.
WP announced on Friday that the Toulouse-based Vermaak would join them in July after three seasons at the French giants.
The 30-year-old is not only a nippy operator with an excellent pass, but is also tactically astute. The Stormers have battled for a halfback who dominates a game and in Vermaak they have possibly found the answer.
Vermaak’s arrival does raise question marks over the future of the current crop of halfbacks – Nic Groom, Louis Schreuder and Godlen Masimla.
Groom plays in the Vermaak mould and is likely to be the man competing with the three-test Springbok for a place in next year’s Super Rugby squad. Assuming he wants to stay and fight for his place.
Schreuder has battled at Super Rugby level. With Vermaak’s arrival his young career is at a crossroads, especially as Masimla’s lively skills will almost certainly keep him in the larger squad now that the Stormers have experience at No 9 in Vermaak.
“Jano is a quality signing. Not only will he add some quality to our halfback resources, but he will also be able to pass on all his experience to Nic, Louis, Godlen and our younger halfbacks such as Justin Phillips,” WP director of rugby Gert Smal said.
“Jano’s rugby CV speaks for itself, but he is also a great team man. His signing is a positive step for us at WP Rugby.”
One interesting subplot to the Vermaak signing is who will coach the Stormers next year? Coach Allister Coetzee is leaving after this year’s Super Rugby campaign and there have been suggestions former Lions boss John Mitchell could take over.
Mitchell and Vermaak had a fallout at the Lions when the scrumhalf announced he was moving to the Bulls midway through the 2011 season. Mitchell did not appreciate the timing and Vermaak battled for game time after his announcement.
“I have been watching with interest how the Stormers and Western Province have performed and achieved so much success over the past few seasons,” Vermaak said.
“I would love nothing more than adding to that success, but I am also very excited to be joining this young team and working with an already talented group of players.
“I remain committed to Toulouse, but once I have finished the season here I look forward to returning home and giving my all for Western Province Rugby.”