Latest news with #Willemse
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
All eyes on Damian Willemse after last wearing Springboks' jersey during 2023 victory parade
FILE - The last time Damian Willemse was seen in a Springboks jersey was during the trophy parade for winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. 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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 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.
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Damian Willemse ready to strut his stuff for Boks against Italy at Loftus
Dynamic fullback Damian Willemse is champing at the bit to get his first touch of the ball and strut his stuff for the Springboks when they open their Test season against Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. 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.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Willemse 'nervous' to be back in Springbok mix after 'difficult two years'
Damian Willemse will make his first appearance for the Springboks in almost two years, with his last game in the green and gold being the 2023 World Cup final. Springbok utility back Damian Willemse is set to make his first appearance for the Springboks since the 2023 World Cup final, when they tackle Italy at Loftus on Saturday. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images Springbok utility back Damian Willemse is thrilled to be back in the mix and is raring to go ahead of the world champions' first Test if the season, against Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon. Willemse has been named at fullback for the game and will make his first appearance in the green and gold since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, after injury completely ruled him out of their 2024 international campaign. Willemse admitted he was happy to be back in the team, but also said he was somewhat nervous for his first Bok appearance in almost two years. 'I am obviously very happy to be healthy and back in the Springbok squad. It has been a difficult past two years with injury and then with this suspension (from a red card in the URC), that has kept me out of playing,' explained Willemse. 'But I am really happy to get another shot … happy that the coaches believe in me and are giving me an opportunity to play. So I am looking forward to it and I am excited. 'Obviously I am also a bit nervous. I haven't played (for the Boks) for a long time, the last one was in the Rugby World Cup final. But I will have to get in there, do my primary job and I know the rest of the boys will take care and look after me.' Hybrid back In the Boks' season opener over the past weekend, against the Barbarians in Cape Town, coach Rassie Erasmus introduced the hybrid back, when specialist inside centre Andre Esterhuizen came on in the second half at flank. Although he is extremely impressed with Esterhuizen's achievement, Willemse said he has absolutely zero aspirations of playing among the forwards, and is more than happy to stick to his utility role with the backs. 'Not at all (interested in being a hybrid player). But it was really awesome to see that. We have witnessed the work Andre has done at training to become this hybrid player. And I know what it takes, the hard work and reps and everything that goes into it to become an all-round player,' said Willemse. 'So I am really chuffed for him. He did a really good job getting stuck in there with the big boys, the forwards. Getting to learn a new role is very exciting, and to see him getting better at that is great. So I take my hat off to him for what he has done, but for me I am happy at the back for now.' With Willie le Roux named on the bench for the game and set to make his 99th appearance at some stage, it is likely that Willemse will be replaced at some point in the second half to ease him back in after not playing for over a month.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Willemse relishes Loftus return as Springbok comeback nears
Springboks fullback Damian Willemse is back in the starting XV after a prolonged period on the sidelines due to injury and suspension. Photo: Timothy Barnard Independent Media Image: Timothy Barnard Independent Media Damian Willemse admits he is nervous ahead of his first match for the Springboks since the 2023 World Cup final, but as he returns to Loftus Versfeld, he carries the comforting memory of arguably his finest hour in a Bok jersey — at the same venue. It was in 2022, and a rusty South African side were on the verge of being upset by Wales. But when Willemse moved to flyhalf for Elton Jantjies in the second half, the game turned. With Handré Pollard-like composure, Willemse slotted the match-winning penalty. The Boks edged it 32-29. "That is a good memory," Willemse smiled. "It was a scary day for us at Loftus. We did well to come back in the second half." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The fullback enjoyed an excellent run across 2022 and 2023, but injuries derailed his momentum, and he has had little game time for the Stormers and none yet for the Boks this year. A recent suspension in the United Rugby Championship, shortly after recovering from a hand injury, added to his frustration. "I am very happy to be healthy and back in the Bok squad," Willemse told a press conference. "It has been a difficult two years — injuries and then, lately, the suspension. "I'm pleased to have another shot. I'm excited but a bit nervous. I have not played since the World Cup final. I need to get into the game and do my primary job at fullback. "I'm nervous, but the guys in the team and the coaching staff give me security," he added. "As soon as we sing the national anthem, I'll start feeling at home. I'll get my first touch and get into it. "You are playing for the national team, and that brings added pressure, but that's part of it, and you look forward to the challenge." Previously against the Italians 💨 Head to Ticketmaster to grab your tickets for Saturday's clash in Pretoria 👉 #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) July 1, 2025
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
No Damian, no problem as Stormers gear up for Glasgow
The Stormers are confident that they have the players to cover for star back Damian Willemse when they play Glasgow Warriors in their URC quarterfinal. Stormers star Damian Willemse will miss at least two URC playoff games if they progress that far, after picking up a red card in their last match against Cardiff. Picture: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images Despite suffering a heavy blow last week when it was confirmed that Stormers utility star Damian Willemse would miss most of the URC playoffs due to the red card he picked up in their final pool game against Cardiff, assistant coach Rito Hlungwani isn't worried. Willemse received the sanction after a high hit in their win over the Welsh side, which led to him being cited and initially banned for six weeks, reduced to three because of his good disciplinary record. That could further be reduced by another week if he attends World Rugby's infamous 'tackle school', which would make him available for the URC final should the Stormers make it that far. But first they have the massive task of upsetting the United Rugby Championship (URC) defending champions, Glasgow Warriors, on their home patch, the Scotstoun Stadium, in their knockout clash on Friday night. It is a repeat of last year's quarter-final, where the Stormers pushed Glasgow all the way, trailing by just three points going into the last seven minutes of the match, with the hosts scoring two late converted tries to secure a 27-10 win in the end. They now have to do the job without Willemse, although the blow has been softened by Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok's return from injury against Cardiff, that has bolstered the Stormers backline options. Quite fortunate 'We are quite fortunate that a guy like Manie's timing has been good in coming back from injury, and it's great to have him back,' explained Hlungwani. 'Obviously it's unfortunate to lose a player of Damian's quality, but like I always say, when there's an injury or a suspension it's a nice opportunity for the next person to put their hand up and take their chance. 'We're quite fortunate to have guys that can cover 15 and 12 (where Willemse would likely have played). We have Warrick (Gelant) at 15. Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) is very comfortable at 12. He's played 12 for us quite a number of times. 'We will probably look to have Sacha as an extra playmaker (in the backline) and then Dan Dup (Dan du Plessis) also covers 12 as well. As much as we're not happy that we've lost him (Willemse), we feel we've got enough cover.' Feinberg-Mngomezulu has recently been in top form at flyhalf for the Stormers, but played off the bench against Cardiff due to Libbok's return. He would probably have started at flyhalf against Glasgow if Willemse was available, but it seems like he will line up at inside centre instead, with Libbok at 10 and Gelant at fullback. Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg could be on the wings, and Wandisile Simelane at outside centre, which would make for an incredibly formidable attacking backline, even without Willemse.
