All eyes on Damian Willemse after last wearing Springboks' jersey during 2023 victory parade
Image: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
The last time South Africans saw Damian Willemse in a Springbok jersey was during the early part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup victory parade through the streets of South Africa.
Nobody could get Willemse out of the kit he wore with much distinction during that World Cup-final win over the All Blacks. It was probably only after the stench of the kit got to the players on the bus that it decided he needed a fresh outfit.
Unfortunately, Willemse hasn't worn the Springboks jersey since sustaining a couple of injuries that kept him out of the entire 2024 international season. The jersey he cherishes so much was taken away from him.
A lot has changed since Damian Willemse last wore the No 15 jersey, as the Sharks' Aphelele Fassi having a breakout 2024 to put him top of the list as far as the fullback berth is concerned. Veteran Willie le Roux is also still going strong and is on the cusp of his 100th Test in the green and gold.
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Fassi made eight starts at fullback in Willemse's absence in 2024 after seemingly leapfrogging Le Roux as the Boks first-choice No 15.
'The Weekend Special' - a nickname Fassi earned because his surname is similar to South Africa's music legend Brenda Fassie - played in most of the big matches for the Boks. He faced the All Blacks in Johannesburg, Argentina in the Rugby Championship decider in Mbombela and featured in the big November Test against England at Twickenham.
Fassi also started in the season opener against the Barbarians as Willemse was still serving a suspension for a dangerous tackle while playing for the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship match.
But this weekend, against Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Willemse will finally feature again in a Bok jersey after almost 20 months.
Willemse certainly knows he is going to be in the spotlight after Fassi's bright performances. But the Strand-born player is keen to make up for lost time.
'I'm looking forward to it, very excited. Lots of nerves as well, it's my first Test match in a couple of years since the World Cup final,' Willemse told SuperSport TV this week ahead of the Italy clash.
'A lot has changed, especially at the international level. The rest of the boys who have played in the position have done an excellent job. They have set the standard.
'For me, coming in, I know there will be a lot of eyes on me. But I'm just focussed on my primary job. Hopefully I can have a good game.'
Fassi has proven to be a lethal counter-attacking player in the new era of the Boks' offensive play. He cut the line beautifully last season, while he showed off his attacking kicks in the wet against the BaaBaas.
But Willemse will also welcome the Boks' new style of play as a lethal runner from the back himself. The Stormers man has wonderful anticipation and can also slip in flyhalf to distribute when needed.
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