Picture this: Damian Willemse, pumped with adrenaline and a sprinkle of jitters, is poised to make a heroic return to the Springbok lineup after a hiatus that felt longer than a Monday without coffee. Set to dazzle against Italy this Saturday, the 26-year-old maestro hasn't donned the prestigious green and gold since the nail-biting 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Now, he's back, boots laced and raring to go.
Slipping on the No 15 jersey, Willemse is not just filling a position; he's bringing the thunder. With only Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk as backline reserves, Willemse’s versatility is more precious than a cold beer after a long day. He shared,
“I’m very happy to obviously be healthy and back in the Springbok team. It’s been a difficult two years with injury and then obviously the suspension that had been keeping me out of playing rugby. But very happy to get another shot and for the coaches to believe in me.”
Linking arms with speed demons Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe, Willemse is part of an explosive back three that could probably outpace your local internet service. With 39 caps under his belt, his comeback isn't just a walk in the park; it's a full-blown sprint.
But what about those pesky butterflies? Willemse confesses they're fluttering but he’s got a game plan.
“I think as soon as I get out onto the field, sing the national anthem and get my first touch of the ball, I’ll probably get into it and forget about the nerves and settle a bit.”
Sounds like a plan that could turn nerves into fireworks.
As Saturday approaches, all eyes will be on Willemse, not just to see if he can dance around defenders, but to witness a comeback that’s been eagerly awaited. With his teammates rallying around him, the stage is set for Willemse to shake off the rust and add some serious sparkle to the Springboks' game plan.
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Picture this: Damian Willemse, pumped with adrenaline and a sprinkle of jitters, is poised to make a heroic return to the Springbok lineup after a hiatus that felt longer than a Monday without coffee. Set to dazzle against Italy this Saturday, the 26-year-old maestro hasn't donned the prestigious green and gold since the nail-biting 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Now, he's back, boots laced and raring to go.
Slipping on the No 15 jersey, Willemse is not just filling a position; he's bringing the thunder. With only Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk as backline reserves, Willemse’s versatility is more precious than a cold beer after a long day. He shared,
“I’m very happy to obviously be healthy and back in the Springbok team. It’s been a difficult two years with injury and then obviously the suspension that had been keeping me out of playing rugby. But very happy to get another shot and for the coaches to believe in me.”
Linking arms with speed demons Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe, Willemse is part of an explosive back three that could probably outpace your local internet service. With 39 caps under his belt, his comeback isn't just a walk in the park; it's a full-blown sprint.
But what about those pesky butterflies? Willemse confesses they're fluttering but he’s got a game plan.
“I think as soon as I get out onto the field, sing the national anthem and get my first touch of the ball, I’ll probably get into it and forget about the nerves and settle a bit.”
Sounds like a plan that could turn nerves into fireworks.As Saturday approaches, all eyes will be on Willemse, not just to see if he can dance around defenders, but to witness a comeback that’s been eagerly awaited. With his teammates rallying around him, the stage is set for Willemse to shake off the rust and add some serious sparkle to the Springboks' game plan.