The World Cup winner is currently in Queensland with the Boks as they prepare for next weekend’s Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Gold Coast.

Vermeulen, who was the man of the match during the 2019 World Cup final against England has not played for South Africa since that day in Yokohama due to injury.

Despite being 35-year-old, Vermeulen, hinted that he still wants to place in France in 2023.

“I will keep on pushing as long as I can, until I just can’t keep up anymore.

“I will try my best and play my part in the squad and if the coaches see that I am falling behind and slacking, and falling off the pace, then they can sit me down and talk it through with me and tell me my time has gone.

“In the meantime I am looking forward to playing alongside my teammates again. 

“I want to try and represent my country as best I can. 

“The next couple of challenges that lie ahead are big ones. And I am looking forward to fronting those challenges.”

The Boks face the Wallabies at 12:05, next week Sunday.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport