Damian Willemse admits to feeling some butterflies ahead of his Springbok comeback, but the versatile playmaker is determined to make it count when he runs at Italy on Saturday.
It’s been a long road back for the 26-year-old, who hasn’t featured in the green and gold since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, but now he’s fit, focused, and ready to go.
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Willemse has been handed the No 15 jersey for the clash against the Azzurri, and with only Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk providing specialist backline cover on the bench, his value as a utility back adds vital depth to the matchday squad.
“I’m very happy to obviously be healthy and back in the Springbok team,” Willemse said during the team announcement. “It’s been a difficult two years with injury and then obviously the suspension that had been keeping me out of playing rugby. But very happy to get another shot and for the coaches to believe in me.”
The 39-Test Springbok links up with electric wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe in a lethal back three, bringing attacking firepower and experience to the backline.
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Willemse, who made his Test debut in 2018, says the support of his teammates will help ease any pressure as he settles back into Test rugby.
“The last game I played was the Rugby World Cup final, so I’ll have to get in and do my primary job and hopefully the rest of the boys will take care of me … I know they’ll take care and look after me.”
As for the butterflies? Willemse believes they’ll be gone soon enough.
“I think as soon as I get out onto the field, sing the national anthem and get my first touch of the ball, I’ll probably get into it and forget about the nerves and settle a bit.”
Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Getty Images
