In another tweak to the lineup, Morné van den Berg is set to start as scrumhalf, pushing Cobus Reinach to the bench. Despite Manie Libbok's impactful role last week, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains his No 10 jersey for this showdown.
"Damian’s a phenomenal rugby player. The way he covers the backfield, just his skill set – he’s maturing in that position as well,"
De Villiers praised on the Boks Unpacked X The Verdict podcast, highlighting Willemse's ability to beat players in close-contact scenarios as possibly the best globally.
Robbie Fleck highlighted Damian's key role. "He brings confidence under the high ball, he's just so secure. An extra set of hands on attack – he adds an extra dimension to our attack. With the amount of ball that we’re starting to get and the set-piece dominance …,” stated Fleck, emphasizing Willemse’s significant impact on the team’s offensive capabilities.
The strategic shuffle last week saw Libbok stepping in and Feinberg-Mngomezulu shifting to fullback, where he also impressed. "Sacha was very good at the back," Fleck added, pointing out the fluid adaptability within the team.
"And Manie, if they're fatiguing at the back end and Manie comes on and starts to shift that ball and we get those guys into space out wide, it’s going to be awesome."
Foote forecasted potential game-changing moments with Libbok's involvement, especially towards the later stages of the game.
Foote also commented on van den Berg’s elevation to the starting lineup. "I thought Krappies was unbelievable. The way he tackled, the way he game-managed," he noted, praising the young scrumhalf’s previous performance off the bench. Foote believes that this injection of fresh talent, especially for players who've been on tour for an extended period, plays a crucial role in maintaining team dynamics and energy.
This weekend's match in Baltimore is more than just another game; it's a crucial moment reflecting both teams' preparations and mentalities ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup. The players and coaches know the stakes are high, and the return of key players only heightens the anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling encounter on the field.
