The powerful back rower saw some similarities with the giant French pack to those of his own side and is hopeful the Springboks can emulate their success when going forward in attack in Sunday’s semi-final at Oita Stadium.
“If you look at their game against France, the French have a big pack, and once you get into their territory, France got on to the front foot, and they could score tries,” said Vermeulen.
“Wales are not a team you can’t score against, but you have to be clinical in what you want to do and how you want to approach that.
“There is always going to be pressure, in every single game. It’s neutral ground – they are playing away from home, we are playing away from home.
“So, it’s not like the past weekend, where it felt like the whole world was against us as a team, because everyone was hoping Japan would win. It’s a 50-50 game.”
The Springboks have been installed as favourites for Sunday’s semi-finals but the South African camp is adamant there is no complacency in the camp.
“I don’t think Wales will be taken lightly‚” said Bath flanker Francois Louw. “It would be an understatement to say they are an outside team trying to win the Rugby World Cup.
“From a rugby perspective they have been playing consistently well over the last few years. They even floated as the top ranked team in the world for a few days. At no stage has anyone underestimated them. You do that at your peril.
“They are a fantastic outfit. They are a very well organised and structured side which wholeheartedly rely on their systems to perform. They do have a massive aerial game‚ they have a solid defensive system and try and force errors on the opposition and try and capitalise on it.
“They are on a bit of a roll‚ winning the Six Nations and gaining in confidence. They obviously had a close call against France but they will take what they can from that match and come out a different team in the semi-final‚” he said.
The Boks may be the bookies’ favourite but Wales have won the last four games between the two rivals so won’t lack for confidence themselves.
