As the Springboks gear up for their critical second Test against the All Blacks, all eyes are on Damian Willemse, who finds himself in the pivotal position of inside centre amidst an unseasoned backline. With a mere 173 caps distributed among the backline, of which Willemse, Cobus Reinach, and Cheslin Kolbe collectively hold 128, the pressure is palpable. Schalk Burger, the legendary Springbok, has voiced his concerns over the youthful setup, particularly highlighting the hefty burden on Willemse’s shoulders.
In 2023, Willemse etched his name in the record books as the youngest player to win two Rugby World Cups. Now, his expertise is crucial as the Boks strive to stay in contention for the Rugby Championship title. Burger, reflecting on the team's dynamics, expressed his apprehensions on the "Boks Unpacked" podcast, hinting at the challenges posed by the inexperienced squad. "The big fear is that I always thought the second Test match was the one where we would be better...But I thought Wellington was going to be where the turn in the season came until the team got selected," Burger revealed.
"If you go through that backline, where does your leadership come from? It has to land squarely on Damian Willemse’s shoulders."
Willemse's season has been a rollercoaster with injuries and a suspension disrupting his play, making his leadership role even more daunting. Burger added, "Then the international season started. Had one start at 15, and then it’s been pretty much off the bench, then out of the mix and now back into the mix."
The selection strategy has also raised eyebrows, with Burger noting, "The players that we selected screams ‘TonyBall’. We’ve got to play a little bit more rugby." This shift in style is critical as the team tries to find its rhythm, transitioning from a kick-pass ratio of 12:1 in Johannesburg to 3:1 in recent games.
Burger’s fears are echoed by former Springboks centre Robbie Fleck, who also weighed in on the podcast. "It’s an exciting backline going forward, but to choose that backline as a first option in the second Test in New Zealand and try and get a result out of it, it’s a tough ask," Fleck commented. He pointed out the defensive vulnerabilities that might be exploited by the All Blacks, emphasizing the pressure on the new midfield trio of Sacha, Damian, and Canan Moodie.
The stakes are high, and the Springboks' strategy and young backline's performance in Wellington could very well dictate their fate in the Rugby Championship. As Burger and Fleck suggest, it's a mix of potential and peril for the Springboks facing the All Blacks challenge.
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As the Springboks gear up for their critical second Test against the All Blacks, all eyes are on Damian Willemse, who finds himself in the pivotal position of inside centre amidst an unseasoned backline. With a mere 173 caps distributed among the backline, of which Willemse, Cobus Reinach, and Cheslin Kolbe collectively hold 128, the pressure is palpable. Schalk Burger, the legendary Springbok, has voiced his concerns over the youthful setup, particularly highlighting the hefty burden on Willemse’s shoulders.
In 2023, Willemse etched his name in the record books as the youngest player to win two Rugby World Cups. Now, his expertise is crucial as the Boks strive to stay in contention for the Rugby Championship title. Burger, reflecting on the team's dynamics, expressed his apprehensions on the "Boks Unpacked" podcast, hinting at the challenges posed by the inexperienced squad. "The big fear is that I always thought the second Test match was the one where we would be better...But I thought Wellington was going to be where the turn in the season came until the team got selected," Burger revealed.
"If you go through that backline, where does your leadership come from? It has to land squarely on Damian Willemse’s shoulders."
Willemse's season has been a rollercoaster with injuries and a suspension disrupting his play, making his leadership role even more daunting. Burger added, "Then the international season started. Had one start at 15, and then it’s been pretty much off the bench, then out of the mix and now back into the mix."
The selection strategy has also raised eyebrows, with Burger noting, "The players that we selected screams ‘TonyBall’. We’ve got to play a little bit more rugby." This shift in style is critical as the team tries to find its rhythm, transitioning from a kick-pass ratio of 12:1 in Johannesburg to 3:1 in recent games.
Burger’s fears are echoed by former Springboks centre Robbie Fleck, who also weighed in on the podcast. "It’s an exciting backline going forward, but to choose that backline as a first option in the second Test in New Zealand and try and get a result out of it, it’s a tough ask," Fleck commented. He pointed out the defensive vulnerabilities that might be exploited by the All Blacks, emphasizing the pressure on the new midfield trio of Sacha, Damian, and Canan Moodie.
The stakes are high, and the Springboks' strategy and young backline's performance in Wellington could very well dictate their fate in the Rugby Championship. As Burger and Fleck suggest, it's a mix of potential and peril for the Springboks facing the All Blacks challenge.