Damian Willemse ready to strut his stuff for Boks against Italy at Loftus
Willemse wants to put months of frustration behind him when South Africa bid to make a winning start to a double header against a fired-up Azzurri outfit over the next two weekends in Tshwane and Gqeberha.
Willemse is making his return to the Bok side for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final, having missed out on an entire international season because of injury.
'It has been a difficult year,' he said. 'After two years with injury, and then obviously with the suspension keeping me out and stopping me from playing rugby.
'But I am very happy to get another shot and for the coaches to believe in me and to get my opportunity again to play. I'm looking forward to it and I'm excited.
'I'm a bit nervous, obviously. The last game I played was the World Cup final. I'll have to obviously get in and just do my primary job, and hopefully the rest of the boys will take care of me and look after me.
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