In recent matches, the Stormers have faced a tactical conundrum, positioning Damian Willemse on the wing, a decision driven by necessity rather than strategy. With injuries sidelining Seabelo Senatla and Suleiman Hartzenberg, and Dylan Maart returning to the Griquas, Stormers coach John Dobson has had to shuffle his lineup, placing Willemse in an unfamiliar role. Originally a move to counter Edinburgh's aerial game, this adjustment has persisted, stirring debate about the best use of Willemse’s skills.
Springboks legend Schalk Burger voiced his concerns on the Verdict podcast, suggesting that Willemse's talents are not being fully utilized on the wing. "We have quality players, but there’s an issue that we don’t have wingers," Burger explained. He believes that Willemse should be playing closer to the action, either at fullback or inside center, where he can have more impact.
"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."
This sentiment was echoed by Dobson after a recent 24-33 defeat to Connacht, where he conceded that continuing to play Willemse on the wing might not be sustainable. Assistant coach Dawie Snyman also indicated that the coaching staff is reevaluating this decision as they prepare for an upcoming clash against the URC league leaders, Glasgow Warriors.
The loss to Connacht highlighted some tactical errors and misfortunes for the Stormers. Burger pointed out several critical moments, such as a miscommunication under a high ball that led to a Connacht try. "Then Connacht chip it down the middle and yes, the ball bounces right or bounces back, but no one puts their name on it," he recounted, stressing the need for better execution in such pivotal instances.
Looking ahead, the Stormers face a challenging schedule, including matches against Ulster and Cardiff, and a crucial home game against Glasgow. With the weather in Cape Town shifting, conditions might favor the visiting Warriors, adding another layer of complexity to the Stormers' campaign. Burger's parting thoughts encapsulate the sentiment around the team's recent performances and the road ahead: "It was a disappointing watch."
As the regular season winds down, the Stormers' ability to adapt and optimize their lineup, particularly the placement of a versatile player like Willemse, could be key to their success. The coming games will not only test their strategic acumen but also their resilience in the face of adversity.
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In recent matches, the Stormers have faced a tactical conundrum, positioning Damian Willemse on the wing, a decision driven by necessity rather than strategy. With injuries sidelining Seabelo Senatla and Suleiman Hartzenberg, and Dylan Maart returning to the Griquas, Stormers coach John Dobson has had to shuffle his lineup, placing Willemse in an unfamiliar role. Originally a move to counter Edinburgh's aerial game, this adjustment has persisted, stirring debate about the best use of Willemse’s skills.
Springboks legend Schalk Burger voiced his concerns on the Verdict podcast, suggesting that Willemse's talents are not being fully utilized on the wing. "We have quality players, but there’s an issue that we don’t have wingers," Burger explained. He believes that Willemse should be playing closer to the action, either at fullback or inside center, where he can have more impact.
"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."
This sentiment was echoed by Dobson after a recent 24-33 defeat to Connacht, where he conceded that continuing to play Willemse on the wing might not be sustainable. Assistant coach Dawie Snyman also indicated that the coaching staff is reevaluating this decision as they prepare for an upcoming clash against the URC league leaders, Glasgow Warriors.
The loss to Connacht highlighted some tactical errors and misfortunes for the Stormers. Burger pointed out several critical moments, such as a miscommunication under a high ball that led to a Connacht try. "Then Connacht chip it down the middle and yes, the ball bounces right or bounces back, but no one puts their name on it," he recounted, stressing the need for better execution in such pivotal instances.
Looking ahead, the Stormers face a challenging schedule, including matches against Ulster and Cardiff, and a crucial home game against Glasgow. With the weather in Cape Town shifting, conditions might favor the visiting Warriors, adding another layer of complexity to the Stormers' campaign. Burger's parting thoughts encapsulate the sentiment around the team's recent performances and the road ahead: "It was a disappointing watch."
As the regular season winds down, the Stormers' ability to adapt and optimize their lineup, particularly the placement of a versatile player like Willemse, could be key to their success. The coming games will not only test their strategic acumen but also their resilience in the face of adversity.