Duane and Frans unlikely to feature against All Blacks as Boks take longer-term view

Whispers of Duane Vermeulen's imminent return to the Springbok starting lineup appear off the mark as he still recovers from knee surgery.

The 36-year-old stalwart No 8 was announced as one of only two changes to the national squad last weekend for the back-to-back Rugby Championship clashes with the All Blacks starting next week, sparking speculation of a swift return.

But Bok coach Jacques Nienaber on Wednesday revealed that Vermeulen hasn't yet returned to full training.

"Duane hasn't had a rugby session with us yet. It would be tough for him to get into the mix," he said from the team's base in Hazyview, where they are preparing for next Saturday's Test at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

"In a sense, he's still busy with his return-to-play protocol."

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While it's unlikely that he'll feature, fellow veteran Frans Steyn is back and putting in the hard yards after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the latter stages of the Currie Cup.

"Frans is training with us, he started the pre-season with the Cheetahs last week already," said Nienaber.

"So he's already got a week under his belt." 

Instead, the duo's inclusion is clearly designed to determine their suitability for the remainder of the Rugby Championship campaign, which will see the Boks travel to Australia and Argentina for matches.

"We'd rather have a good look at them with our medical staff to assess where they are and then make a decision after this incoming leg of the Rugby Championship," said Nienaber.

"The main thing is, they first have to handle this week's load, and it's only still Wednesday. We still have a Friday session to come too as well as next week's