He was supposed to be a bit rusty, but Jano Vermaak showed that class is permanent when he played in his first Absa Currie Cup match this year for the Vodacom Blue Bulls. Vermaak might have been carrying tackle bags for his Springbok teammates the last two months, but there was no signs of rustiness of fatigue as the scrumhalf showed why he was called up for national duty in the first place.

He provided excellent service to his backline, sniped around the fringes, made a lovely break that resulted in a try by Franco Mostert, was denied one of his own by the TMO and created havoc in the Free State defensive line with his strong running.

Vermaak’s tactical kicking has always been a strong part of his game and he did not disappoint this time around.

The fact that the playmaker will be available for the remainder of the Currie Cup campaign is certainly the best news the Blue Bulls had in a long time.

Bio

Physcial: 1.71 & 84
BOD: 1 January 1985, Graaff Reinet
Provincial debut: 2005 v SWD (Lions)
Provincial caps: 85 (122 points)
Super Rugby debut: 2006 v Stormers (Lions)
Super Caps : 88 (72 points)
Caps: 0 (Springbok squad 2012)