RASSIE DISSECTS PUMA GAME

Despite Boks’ 34-21 win, a merciless analysis of technique and tactic can only improve the next game

Rassie Erasmus’ decision to deploy Damian Willemse at flyhalf when he came on as a second half substitute against the Pumas was no ruse.

It had been widely expected that Willemse would go to fullback in the place of Willie le Roux but with the match still in the balance after the hour mark‚ the coach went for what he believed was the safer option.

He explained that he still needed Le Roux’s experience in the back three alongside greenhorn wings Aphiwe Dyantyi and Makazole Mapimpi.

He couldn’t replace Handre Pollard with Willemse either so instead he curtailed inside centre Andre Esterhuizen’s activity‚ moved Pollard to second receiver which paved the way for Willemse at flyhalf.

“The coach spoke to me at half-time‚” said Willemse about the decision to slot in at 10.

“He said to me the game is tight and he’s going to put me on at 10. I got myself ready for that.”

Once in the thick of things‚ Willemse had a bit of a mixed bag. His debut might well be remembered for the horror pass he threw that led to an intercept try for Matias Moroni

“These things happen‚” the 20-year-old said coolly.

“It is fixable. I’m just glad I got a run. It is not a big sweat for me. Obviously it is not the ideal start for me. Not the start I wanted or the team wanted. I’m just glad I got a cap.”

Willemse has been earmarked as a future star. He has the raw talent but he has also displayed maturity beyond his 20 years.

“It is simple. Wake up tomorrow morning‚ the sun will shine and I just keep on working hard. I just want to stay in the moment‚” he said. – DDC