Springbok fullback Damian Willemse has issued a stark warning ahead of Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Willemse admitted that Ruben Love, the All Blacks’ new-generation playmaker, poses a genuine all-round threat that will test the Bok defence in every facet of the game.
Asked to assess the New Zealand flyhalf’s game, Willemse did not hold back in his praise.
“He’s a great player. He can kick, he can pass, he can step, he’s really got everything.”
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The 28-year-old pointed to a standout Super Rugby campaign as evidence of a player entering the international arena in red-hot form, buoyed by a settled halfback partnership.
“He’s had a tremendous Super Rugby [season] and he’s playing obviously with a halfback [Cam Roigard] that he plays with [for the Hurricanes],” Willemse said.
The Springboks’ coaching and analysis staff have had their eye on the player for some time, according to Willemse, who revealed the extent of the homework already done.
“We’ve been following him and tracking his development,” he said. “He’s a really, really great player.”
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Willemse was emphatic that the youngster carries the kind of composure that can unlock a match at Test level.
“He’s a player, obviously, who can spark anything for the All Blacks,” he said, praising his temperament under pressure. “He’s got a very accurate boot. He just looks like a player who’s got steady shoulders on his head.”
Despite the respect, Willemse framed the broader contest as an opportunity rather than a threat, relishing the chance to test himself against one of the form teams in world rugby.
“It will be a great test for all of us to go up against world-class players,” he said.
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Willemse had warm praise for teammate and namesake Damian de Allende, who will be playing his 100th Test. He made light, too, of the awkward moment when De Allende was mistakenly named Man of the Match against England, saying it wasn’t made a big deal of by either man.
With the Springboks’ back three set to be tested in the air and out wide by New Zealand’s evolving attacking shape, Willemse’s comments serve as both a compliment to the opposition and a signal of intent.
South Africa, he suggested, know exactly what is coming, and are bracing to meet it head-on.
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Photo: Steve Haag/Getty Images
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Springbok fullback Damian Willemse has issued a stark warning ahead of Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The post Gaza wary of All Black who’s ‘got everything’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
