Duane has nothing left to prove as Boks leave him out: 'We know his commitment'

Duane Vermeulen has seen it all and can rest those "old" legs a bit.

In crude terms, that's the exact reason why the evergreen No 8 has been left out of the Springbok squad for their end-of-year tour to Europe commencing next week.

Along with Frans Steyn, who is recovering from a knee injury, the 36-year-old is considered an experienced bolter for next year's World Cup in France. 

"Even if Frans Steyn were fit, he wouldn't have been selected for this [tour]," Rassie Erasmus, national director of rugby, said on Friday following the selection of 54-man strong group that features 19 men earmarked for the South Africa A matches on the trip.

"We always had a plan during the Rugby Championship and what we tried to achieve there. Some of the guys are getting older in the legs but might still make it to the World Cup. We've seen enough and know their commitment. We believe a guy like Duane doesn't need any more experience."

As a result, the imposing Jasper Wiese has the opportunity to further build on a season where he's grown into an outstanding international No 8 and has Stormers star Evan Roos alongside him to keep him on his toes. 

"This tour is the perfect opportunity to see how a some of the other youngsters can cope with the challenge of playing against the No 1 ranked team one year before the World Cup," said Erasmus. 

"Duane is well managed at Ulster and we don't feel he needs to be here. The other guys are pushing really hard and that's why we've included them."

Arguably one of those beneficiaries is the tough but nimble Marco van Staden, whose return to the Bulls and recovery from longer-term concussion provides the Boks with cover in all three back-row positions.

The 26-year-old blasted himself into contention for the Lions