Paige’s chirps won’t bother Vermaak

Jano Vermaak has overcome frustrating injuries, and will shoulder a big load playing alongside an inexperienced flyhalf this season.

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Stormers scrumhalf Jano Vermaak is expecting to have to dodge a few bullets from Rudy Paige when the Bulls come out “guns blazing” at Newlands on Saturday (kickoff 5.15pm).

“Rudy will probably give a couple of chirps now and then, but I just like to play the game and keep quiet,” said Vermaak.

The two halfbacks were teammates at the Bulls in 2012 and 2013 before Vermaak left Pretoria to join up with French Top 14 outfit Toulouse.

Paige made two appearances for South Africa at last year’s World Cup and is the first-choice No 9 at the Bulls.

“He’s a good player, he’s always been a good player,” said Vermaak. “When I was at the Bulls he was with me there; I worked hard with him there on his tactical game and seeing him coming through now is something special.”

Vermaak was seen in the same light when he made his Bok debut in 2013, but injuries have limited him to just three Tests and he dropped off the radar after heading north.

Having reversed that move last year, joining Western Province on a deal that will keep him in Cape Town until the end of 2017, Vermaak is eager to retrace his steps to the national team.

“That’s what I came back for. I only played three Test matches and I want to play more if that’s possible, so hopefully something can happen for me.”

The 31-year-old will have the ball, and his destiny, in his hands for the Stormers’ season-opener on Saturday as he goes head-to-head with Paige, the heir apparent to the Bok No 9 jersey.

Though the Bulls are said to have turned their backs on the style of play that netted three Super Rugby titles, Vermaak is bracing for a full-frontal assault on Newlands.

“They’ll come with all guns blazing. They’ve changed the way they want to play the game a bit, but they’ll still be physical. It’s always a big one against the Bulls and I don’t expect anything other than a physical game.”

Stormers fans are expecting to get their first taste of heads-up rugby under new head coach Robbie Fleck. Vermaak is renowned for exposing defenders around the fringes and he has been given licence to keep an eye open for those half-gaps at the Stormers.

“I’ve been working on my game because I want to attack and play like I normally do, scoring tries and linking,” he said. “What I like about Fleckie is that he gives his players the freedom to play. We’re going to play what we see on the pitch. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Province fans only saw their new signing start once during the Currie Cup as Vermaak battled with a finger injury and then a tender groin issue.

“It was a bit frustrating with the injuries, I didn’t really come through. But playing in the Currie Cup final, which I haven’t done since 2007, gave me confidence and more positivity looking forward to this season.”

Demetri Catrakilis left for Montpellier last year and Vermaak is thus likely to be paired with a less experienced halfback partner.

“One of (WP director of rugby) Gert Smal’s goals was for me to work with the youngsters and I’ve worked hard with the flyhalves in the pre-season,” said Vermaak. “Me and Robert du Preez spent a lot of time together, working on my passing game to him and analysing games.

“It’s going to be a massive test for him in Super Rugby, but I’ll take some of the pressure off him in the kicking game, and I think he’ll come through this season.” - Cape Argus