Willemse provides multiple options

Springbok utility star Damian Willemse (right) can almost pick his spot in the backline, but according to assistant coach Rito Hlungwani, he is a massive team man and will play wherever the Stormers need him in this United Rugby Championship (URC).

Willemse returned to the franchise earlier this week after being concussed during the Boks win over Argentina last weekend, so is not available for selection this weekend and may even miss their second match of the season next weekend.

However when he returns the Stormers will assess where it will be best to play him, after he featured largely at inside centre for them last season, while he has been superb for the Boks at both fullback and flyhalf during the international season so far.

“Damian is a very special player who suits our environment. He is one of those guys, whatever you ask of him he will do it. He will say ‘give me any position and I will give my best’. That really helps us, especially when we go with the six-two (forwards to backs) split (on the bench), said Hlungwani.

“He covers 10, 12, 11, 15, so it makes a huge difference from a coaching point of view in terms of planning and strategising. We will have to see in time (where he fits in). We thought Damian did really well at 12 for us, but we aren’t against playing him at fullback.

The Stormers will also be looking forward to getting a slew of other Springbok stars back after this weekend, and will be keen to integrate them back into the system, especially those who haven’t had much Bok game-time.

The Stormers open their season against Connacht in Stellenbosch on Saturday, before heading back to Cape Town to face Edinburgh next weekend.