John Dobson is delighted to have fit-again Damian Willemse at fullback as the DHL Stormers prepare for a tough Vodacom URC opener against Ospreys in Swansea. DYLAN JACK reports.
Willemse, who has been sidelined since the end of May due to a finger injury, starts at fullback for the Stormers’ 2024-25 URC opener and first match of a three-week tour to Europe.
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The Capetonians tackle Welsh outfit Ospreys at Dunraven Brewery Field this week, before clashes with Zebre (5 October) and Edinburgh (12 October) in Italy and Scotland, respectively.
Willemse will be playing his first game since a clash with Connacht in Galway in the penultimate round of last season on 18 May, but Dobson is confident the World Cup winner is ready for the challenge of wet and windy conditions in Wales
“At the time of his injury, he was one of the best fullbacks in the world. He’s been training well for a while,” Dobson said.
“He didn’t play in Nelspruit so he is a bit raw. His last game was against Connacht. It’s a long time out. But he has trained with us properly for a long time.
“It’s a big boost for us, especially on tour. The surface at the stadium is quite nice, but it’s going to be dark and windswept. Norman Laker compared it to Outeniqua Park. So to have a guy of his ability at the back is going to be useful.
“He’s the best-dressed trainer,” Dobson joked. “No, he’s got a spark. He’s Gaza. He has got that spring and energy. He’s part of the leadership group. It’s huge for us to have him here. He is one of the ultimate Stormers.”
Dobson said that Warrick Gelant, who has also toured with the Stormers, was in contention to make the bench after recovering from a calf strain, but taking conditions and game readiness into account, the decision was made to unleash him next weekend in Italy.
“It’s disappointing not to have Warrick available. We could’ve probably pushed him onto the bench. But with Damian there, we thought it was ok,” Dobson explained.
“He’s a racehorse, is Warrick. He will be back for us next week. He strained his calf three weeks into pre-season, so he couldn’t play in the friendlies.
“Looking at the nature of the game, it’s going to be a tough environment for a guy who hasn’t played. We would rather give him another week’s training.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
