Secure under the high kicks. Stormers utility back Damian Willemse was selected at wing for the URC clash against Edinburgh on Saturday, showcasing the versatility of the double World Cup winner.
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Utility back Damian Willemse is set to pull on the Stormers’ right wing jersey, a bold positional switch the team is hopeful will pay off against Edinburgh — but they know full well it could backfire and bring some heat if it doesn’t work out.
The selection of Willemse on the wing raised some eyebrows ahead of the United Ruygby Championship (URC) clash; however, the move wasn’t something forced on the double World Cup winner. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, director of rugby John Dobson revealed with his team announcement.
They are expecting a kicking game at the DHL Stadium on Saturday evening (7pm kick-off), and Willemse’s prowess under the high ball makes him a suitable candidate, with speedster Seabelo Senatla out injured.
In another milestone, tighthead prop Sazi Sandi is set to play in his 50th Stormers match. He is expected to anchor the scrum alongside Springboks André-Hugo Venter and loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu.
“Damian has told us for years that he will play wherever the team needs him,” Dobson said, pointing to Willemse’s team-first attitude.
“I just hope it comes off. If it doesn't come off, we're really going to take a bit of heat. Damian actually came in and spoke about Ben Vellacott, his contestable kicks, and what we are going to do about it. He offered (to play wing).
“That is one of the great things about Damian, with his detail, how he will play anywhere for the team. I am sure people will say we are messing Damian around. But Damian has completely bought into this plan, contributed to it and must take some credit for it.”
Stormers captain Ruhan Nel, who has been playing on the inside of Willemse for the last few years when the utility back was at No 12, was excited about the shift, especially if it means Willemse will make the players on the inside look good.
“Damian is Damian, I don’t have to elaborate on his quality,” Nel said.
“He was eager to play there this week. He is really good under the high ball and probably one of the better guys in the world. With that, we are expecting a bit more of a contestable kicking game from Edinburgh.
“I think it is not too weird seeing him on the outside. We’ve played together as a centre combination, and he is a great communicator. He has a high work rate as well, and that will be great for me and Warrick (Gelant) at full-back.
“He is a homegrown talent, and it doesn’t matter where Damian plays, the crowd love him.”
The Cape side held their captain’s training session at 7pm on Friday to mimic the expected conditions of Saturday. Edinburgh, meanwhile, enjoyed a sunny afternoon training session on Friday.
Dobson explained that they wanted conditions as close as possible to match night, so they do not fall into a trap that has caught them out in a couple of games in the past. He referenced an evening loss to Munster and a defeat to the Ospreys as two key drivers of the plan.
Both those matches were crucial in their campaign, and Saturday’s encounter with Edinburgh will determine whether they remain in the top two. Only a victory can guarantee that. A loss could see the side drop to third and lose momentum ahead of a tough European Champions Cup knockout match.
“We won’t read anything into their Ellis Park game. They flew some internationals to Cape Town, which means they are going for this game. All their Scottish players had to rest for one week.
“So, looking at their stats, the conditions and that they are maybe in last-chance saloon territory, we know a big contestable game is coming. And that is what we must be ready for.”
Stormers XV
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Damian Willemse, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Deon Fourie, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Jurie Matthee.
Edinburgh XV
15 Piers O’Conor, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Matt Currie, 12 James Lang, 11 Malelili Satala, 10 Ross Thompson, 9 Charlie Shiel, 8 Magnus Bradbury (captain), 7 Dylan Richardson, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 Paul Hill, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Angus Williams, 19 Glen Young, 20 Freddy Douglas, 21 Ben Vellacott, 22 Mosese Tuipulotu, 23 Jack Brown.