Damian Willemse says he doesn’t have a preferred position and just wants to be on the field playing

DHL Stormers utility back Damian Willemse has been a player under the spotlight in recent weeks. The talented player , has been at wing in the last 3 games. This certainly raised some eyes brows amongst the media , fans and rugby pundits. Willemse has been criticized by various pundits including former DHL Stormers Captain and legendary Springbok , Schalck burger who mentioned on the verdict podcast this past week. “I think we’ve got to get Damian either taking charge at 15 or playing at 12 and if there’s an injury concern, then maybe 15 is his place at the moment because we have to get him more involved ,he’s a good winger , he does decent stuff on the wing, but you want your best players to touch the ball the most amount of times in a game, and at 12 or 15, that’s what happens with him. But at wing for me it’s just a waste.”

On Wednesday Afternoon in the pitch side interview at the Belville high performance Centre , Willemse addressed the media and touched on a number of important things going into the top of the table the clash against log leaders Glasgow Warriors

The past clashes against Glasgow Warriors and the expectation

“They’re an all-court side; they can take it up front with their forwards, they’ve got a great set piece, they’ve got a good kicking game, they’ve got great players in the outside backs ,There are multiple threats there.”

“But we can’t look past what we have. We can focus on the opposition all we want, but if we’re not going to get our stuff right this week, we’re going to struggle. “It’s probably going to come down to these last 10 minutes, and we need to be ready for that. We need to make sure our game management and our gameplay with both our forwards and backline are spot on.”

“Our record against them doesn’t show actually how tight those games were. I think both games last season were really tight up to the 70th, 75th minute,” he said, underlining the fine margins that separate the two sides and the match in Stellenbosch was close as well.”

Willemse was then asked about his preferred position he would like to play if he had a choice.

“I’ve said it numerous times, I just want to be on the field, and it doesn’t matter where I’m playing, whether for my club or the national team ,obviously, I’m a bit more comfortable playing at centre. It’s a game I’m far more familiar with. Moving to wing was a different challenge, but an exciting one. We’re looking to create as I have said the modern game is moving towards versatile players, and I’m learning a new skill set.”

“So there isn’t really a preferred position. If you’re on the field, you’re going to be required to catch a high ball, cover the wing, or step into the midfield to defend space. I’ll stress it again , that’s where the modern game is going. With the coaches, we plan for these things; you don’t just arrive on a Monday and get told, ‘you’re going to the wing’.

“We train these positions and skill sets for hours. It was a collective effort from the team to give me that time at wing to learn something new and fulfil that role.”

Willemse was then asked about 18 year old youngster Markus Muller who is set to make his debut on Saturday and if he has any advice for the talented young man.

“He’s a really tremendous player, and training with him over the last few weeks, you can see what we have been seeing at Paarl Gym and at schoolboy level. He is going to learn more as we go along and as he gains experience. I can obviously just help and guide him where I can , I really rate him and believe he is going to go far. Not just for this club, but hopefully for the national team as well. I can’t wait to see more of him going forward.”

“I don’t have any advice for him, but just to trust his natural instincts and abilities and to listen to the coaches. It’s great to see the youth, excitement and flair he brings. That feeling of being 18 and alive.”

Willemse will have a huge part to play on Saturday , so it will be interesting to see what DHL Stormers Director of rugby John Dobson opts to do with Willemse. Does he stay on the wing and continue this new role ? or does he get shifted to 12 or 15. Time will tell and all will be revealed on Friday afternoon when the team announcement is made.