Stormers coach John Dobson has shed light on Damian Willemse's shift back to fullback for the upcoming nail-biter against Glasgow Warriors this Saturday, despite Willemse's standout performance as a winger in the previous game. The move, Dobson clarifies, is strategic, aiming to leverage Willemse's strengths at his natural position in a top-of-the-table clash.
"Damian on the wing worked," Dobson admitted, highlighting the player's exceptional ability to carry the ball and excel in contestable situations. "He outperformed our centre Dan du Plessis in carries last week, and our contestable game was nearly flawless at 75% effectiveness." Despite this success, Dobson emphasized that Willemse’s stint on the wing was temporary. "But that is not Damian’s full-time position and I don’t think he’s going to play for South Africa like that, so we wanted to get him back at fullback."
"From a technical side, he made more carries than Dan du Plessis last week and in terms of a contestable game, I think we were 75% to zero."
The adjustment back to fullback isn't a knee-jerk reaction but part of a larger tactical framework that the Stormers have been implementing. "We had a contestable plan for Edinburgh, Toulon, and Connacht. Despite the setback last week, our strategy was on point," Dobson explained.
The Stormers have had to navigate through more than just game tactics; they've been dealing with the emotional aftermath of their long-serving team manager Chippie Solomon's death. This emotional toll was visible, with Dobson noting the visible distress of team members just before last week’s game. Captain Ruhan Nel acknowledged the emotional burden, stating, "It was an emotional week. But post the funeral, we addressed that and said at some point we have to pick it up again. The energy has been really good and the boys are up for it."
Looking forward, Dobson anticipates a strong performance against Glasgow. "This is a proper game. You can’t read anything into last week. It’s going to be full metal jacket," he predicted, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As for the team lineup, Willemse will be replaced on the right wing by Wandisile Simelane, with Suleiman Hartzenberg still sidelined due to injuries.
"Hopefully tomorrow we have a little bit less heavy emotion,"
The Stormers are poised for a rebound, gearing up for a clash that could redefine their standings and morale for the season.
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Stormers coach John Dobson has shed light on Damian Willemse's shift back to fullback for the upcoming nail-biter against Glasgow Warriors this Saturday, despite Willemse's standout performance as a winger in the previous game. The move, Dobson clarifies, is strategic, aiming to leverage Willemse's strengths at his natural position in a top-of-the-table clash.
"Damian on the wing worked," Dobson admitted, highlighting the player's exceptional ability to carry the ball and excel in contestable situations. "He outperformed our centre Dan du Plessis in carries last week, and our contestable game was nearly flawless at 75% effectiveness." Despite this success, Dobson emphasized that Willemse’s stint on the wing was temporary. "But that is not Damian’s full-time position and I don’t think he’s going to play for South Africa like that, so we wanted to get him back at fullback."
"From a technical side, he made more carries than Dan du Plessis last week and in terms of a contestable game, I think we were 75% to zero."
The adjustment back to fullback isn't a knee-jerk reaction but part of a larger tactical framework that the Stormers have been implementing. "We had a contestable plan for Edinburgh, Toulon, and Connacht. Despite the setback last week, our strategy was on point," Dobson explained.
The Stormers have had to navigate through more than just game tactics; they've been dealing with the emotional aftermath of their long-serving team manager Chippie Solomon's death. This emotional toll was visible, with Dobson noting the visible distress of team members just before last week’s game. Captain Ruhan Nel acknowledged the emotional burden, stating, "It was an emotional week. But post the funeral, we addressed that and said at some point we have to pick it up again. The energy has been really good and the boys are up for it."
Looking forward, Dobson anticipates a strong performance against Glasgow. "This is a proper game. You can’t read anything into last week. It’s going to be full metal jacket," he predicted, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As for the team lineup, Willemse will be replaced on the right wing by Wandisile Simelane, with Suleiman Hartzenberg still sidelined due to injuries.
"Hopefully tomorrow we have a little bit less heavy emotion,"
The Stormers are poised for a rebound, gearing up for a clash that could redefine their standings and morale for the season.