After a trio of games testing his skills on the wing, Damian Willemse is set to reclaim his preferred full-back position for the Stormers in their upcoming clash against the Glasgow Warriors. The shift, which sees Warrick Gelant stepping aside, comes after significant public demand for Willemse's return to a role where his impact on the game can be more pronounced. The Stormers, under the guidance of John Dobson, will face the URC leaders this Saturday in Cape Town, marking a critical juncture in their campaign.
The debate over Willemse’s position has been a hot topic, with Stormers and Springboks icon Schalk Burger voicing a strong opinion on the matter. “We have quality players, but there’s an issue that we don’t have wingers,” Burger explained on the Verdict podcast. He emphasized the need for Willemse to play where he can be most influential, stating,
“But at wing for me it’s just a waste.”
Willemse’s versatility has been a double-edged sword. While he has adeptly filled roles across fly-half, centre, and full-back for the Springboks, many, including Burger, see full-back as his optimal position. Despite this, Dobson highlighted Willemse’s exceptional performance on the wing, driven by tactical needs. “He played exceptionally well on the wing,” Dobson noted, citing superior stats in carries and contestable plays compared to other players.
However, the decision to play Willemse on the wing was met with widespread dissatisfaction among fans, a sentiment Dobson could not ignore. “Part of the logic this week was that we know it’s not Damian’s full-time position. He is not going to play for South Africa like that. So, we want to get him back at full-back,” Dobson explained, acknowledging the need to align with broader team strategies and fan expectations.
Reflecting on a challenging period for the team, Dobson also touched on the emotional toll of losing team manager Chippie Solomon. He described the past week as “horrible,” noting the difficulty in maintaining focus amid such loss. The team attended Solomon’s funeral just days before their last game, an event that deeply affected the players and their performance.
Looking ahead, Dobson expressed hope for a more measured approach in future games, free from the recent emotional strain. “Some of that stuff that we tried on the weekend, it was almost like the guys were trying to score quickly for Chippie,” he said, hoping for a shift towards more strategic play. As the Stormers prepare to face the Glasgow Warriors, they aim to channel their efforts into a victory that not only advances their standing but also honors the memory of their beloved team manager.