Wiese has been the Bok eighth-man of late in the absence of Vermeulen. The World Cup winner injured his ankle in Rainbow Cup ahead of the Tests against the Georgia, British & Irish Lions and Argentina.

Vermeulen said that Wiese has made the step-up to international rugby.

“I only played one game against him when he still played for the Toyota Cheetahs. He had a massive presence on the field,” Vermeulen said.  “Then he went abroad to play for Leicester and had a fantastic season for them.

“Obviously, I was very happy for him to get the call-up for the Boks and get an opportunity to play. He has really been playing well.

“I am very happy for him. It’s nice to have someone like him filling your boots. He has really stepped up and put up his hand. I am looking to working alongside him and hopefully, we can share some tricks.

“He is a fantastic guy and a really hard worker. I am looking forward to seeing how he grows throughout his career.”

The Springboks and Wallabies will battle it out next week Sunday at 12:05 in Gold Coast.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport