The Springboks were probably looking at next year’s Rugby World Cup when they decided to select Damian Willemse at fullback for Saturday’s opening Castle Lager Incoming Tour first test against Wales at Loftus Versfeld.
His versatility, eye for a gap and flair have been one of the reasons he has flourished under John Dobson’s coaching at the Stormers and the Boks are increasingly seeing him as a player that can take the superb form he showed at the Stormers and turn it into Green and Gold for the national side.
After all, he is already a World Cup winner and an integral part of Jacques Nienaber’s plans, but the Boks are looking to give some more game time to Gazza as he continues his rise as one of the players the Boks are looking to for France next season.
With the squad limitations for the World Cup, it is naturally apparent that Willemse’s versatility gives him an edge over a number of his competitors.
While Willie le Roux is still very much a part of the Boks' long-term plans and will continue his role as playmaker, there is now a chance for Willemse to move into the playmaking role as Le Roux does on attack and give the Boks that something extra with his flair.
The fact that he can cover 10, 12 and 15 has already made him a prime option for a bench position, and the Boks are keen to see what he can do at 15 given more of an extended run this time.
FAITH IN SQUAD
As a “project” - the word Nienaber used to describe him - Willemse ticks a lot of boxes and when considering his versatility over his Stormers team-mate Warrick Gelant and Aphelele Fassi of the Sharks, he edges a bit closer to what the Boks need once Steyn departs the scene.
“Damian is a similar project. The project was almost to bring what Frans Steyn brings to the team - it is a guy that can play 10, 12 and can play 15. I think Damian Willemse is in that mould for us,” Nienaber said at the team selection.
The Boks wanted to give Willemse an extended run last season but a concussion against Wales stopped that plan. This is why it is natural for them to give him a shot now. They know what they have in Le Roux and he is the current back-up at flyhalf on the bench.
In a way those wanting the Boks to try new things out won’t be disappointed, as Le Roux may well slot in at 10 in the second half, depending on how the game goes.
“I’m glad for him. Last year we had a plan for him on the end of year tour and then unfortunately against Wales he lasted 12 or 13 minutes and he got concussed and then he wasn’t up for selection for the Scotland game and then we went into England.
“So I’m glad and I hope that - touch wood - things will work out and this year we can give him an extended run to get him as much exposure as possible in international rugby.
“The ball is in the hands of the 23 guys selected - they need to make sure there is performance, they need to make sure they tick the boxes we want them to tick.”
The Boks have placed faith in their squad system and haven’t rushed Handre Pollard in, entrusting Elton Jantjies to run the game plan and Willemse to boldly move into a playmaking position when they feel it is right.
If it succeeds the rewards will be so much greater than playing the incumbents and learning nothing more than they already know.
And Willemse, if he can replicate his Stormers form in Green and Gold, will have taken another step to booking himself a place on the plane to France next season.