Springbok hero Damian Willemse credited the team’s aerial game with being pivotal in their win over England at Ellis Park, modestly failing to mention how he was utterly critical to the cause. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
The fullback was immense in contesting, holding and harrying against an England side who came hard and fought for the scraps.
“We were outstanding in the aerial contest,” he said.
“Obviously we’re very happy. It’s a great team win for us, our first Test of the year. We got off to a good start in the first 10-15 minutes, and then England punched back. They’re a great side. Some of the other things we’d planned for didn’t quite come off, so we had to make different plans at half-time.
“We knew coming in that they’d bring their kicking game. They’ve got great players in Marcus Smith and Tommy Freeman. We’d worked on that with the coaching staff, and credit to Felix [Jones] for preparing us well there. I feel for the guys outside me. I think I did a good job handling their kicking game.”
MORE: 50-cap Gaza lights up the night
Willemse enjoyed his 50th start in the green and gold, more so that he was joined by friend and teammate Cheslin Kolbe, also playing his 50th.
“It was a very, very special occasion for both of us, and for the team as a whole.
“I’m very grateful to the coaches. Jacques [Nienaber] isn’t here anymore, but he helped develop my skill set to get to this milestone. So I’m really grateful to the coaching staff, the players, and my family too. They’ve made a lot of sacrifices along the way.
“It’s special to reach this with Cheslin – he’s a top man and a top rugby player.”
PICK YOUR MVP: Boks vs England
Asked about the “stress test”, with two key experienced players ruled out and replaced by rookie players, he felt the replacements did well.
“It speaks volumes to the character and maturity we’re building in this team. Credit to coach Rassie [Erasmus] and the management staff, and to a guy like Paul de Villiers. I didn’t think he was going to get on, but when he came on, he was ready. That says a lot about the team and the culture we’re building.
“I’m proud of him, and of Jasper [Wiese] and Cameron [Hanekom] too. I thought Cameron had a really good Test. We all just helped each other out there, and it’s fair to say a performance like today also helps put to rest some of the demons from last year’s Test against Australia, where a similar situation wasn’t managed as well. This game was handled much better.”
RASSIE: Boks had to be honest at half-time
Having played several positions for the Boks, Willemse said he was unfussed about where he started.
“When you’re playing with a guy like Manie [Libbok] at flyhalf, and Jesse [Kriel] at centre, who’s also a threat, it makes the job easier.
“The forwards gave us a really good platform. I think I took my opportunities when they came. My main focus was just being decisive and giving the forwards good, quality ball to work with going forward. It all starts up front.
“Credit to the guys … we lost a couple of lineouts, which we spoke about at half-time, but we turned it around. Good solutions, and we implemented our plans well.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Gaza goes high to celebrate 50 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok hero Damian Willemse credited the team’s aerial game with being pivotal in their win over England at Ellis Park.
The post Gaza goes high to celebrate 50 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
