VIDEO: The 'sick skills' at Stormers' disposal
09/30/2024 09:56 AM
The return of two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Damian Willemse this past weekend and the likely return from injury by Warrick Gelant takes the Stormers a step closer to one of the most potent backlines in the United Rugby Championship.
There are some injuries, but the possibility of fielding a backline that features Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Jurie Matthee, Clayton Blommetjies and Warrick Gelant has Director of Rugby John Dobson salivating.
"At full strength that will be a sick skilled backline," Dobson said of his Springbok-laden back division.
The challenge is how to accommodate all that talent in one team.
Willemse certainly has his spark back, after returning to action in the 24-37 loss to the Ospreys - after a four-month injury lay-off that saw him miss the mid-year Tests and the Rugby Championship through finger surgery.
While his regular position is fullback, he can also play as a flyhalf, wing, or inside centre.
This past weekend, at the Brewery Field in Bridgend, he showed why he is so highly rated.
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Apart from a second-half dropgoal, the 26-year-old produced 21 carries for 57 metres, four defenders beaten, a classic line-break, two offloads, six kicks out of hand and just one missed tackle.
Dobson said at the time of his injury - in a URC match against Connacht back in May - Willemse was one of the best fullbacks in the game.
"He has been training well for a while," Dobson said, adding: "He is a but raw.
"He has been out [sidelined since May], but he has been training with us for a long time."
(WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson talks about the return of Damian Willemse and other skilful backline players....)
With Manie Libbok is likely to be rested before rejoining the Springboks for the year-end tour and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu likely to be sidelined for the rest of the year with a knee injury, Willemse will cover flyhalf.
Jurie Matthee, who started at No.10 in the loss to Ospreys, can move to fullback if Willemse is injured.
Warrick Gelant returns from injury against Zebre in Parma this week, but will play off the bench only.
"Damian [Willemse] will wear whatever number he has," Dobson said, adding: "He will wear No.11 if he has to.
"He is Gaza, back to his springing, professional energy and part of our leadership group.
"It is a huge boost for us," Dobson said of Willemse's return.
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