We all know Damian Willemse is a good rugby player. That is obvious.
The real argument is about his best position. Under Rassie, Willemse has mainly been used at fullback, with him occasionally playing at 12 or Flyhalf.
That is not by accident.
Yes, his performance at 12 in the Wellington game, was good. What is conveniently left out is that the game really opened up once he moved back to fullback and AE came on at 12.
From fullback he has more space, more time, and a better view of the field. He identifies space well, links into the line at the right moments, and his cover defence is outstanding.
There is also a contradiction here. If Willemse is such a brilliant long term 12, why has he not replaced de Allende after all these seasons??
Saying it is because de Allende is so good undermines the claim that Willemse is clearly better at 12. You cannot argue both at the same time.
Either Willemse is a specialist 12 who should have taken that jersey already, or he is a world-class fullback who can cover 12 when needed.
Rassie’s selections up till now, clearly point to the second option.