Damian Willemse could return to fullback as the Stormers weigh up a backline reshuffle ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown against the Glasgow Warriors.
Willemse has been deployed on the right wing in recent weeks across the Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom URC, largely due to injuries and the departure of loan signing Dylan Maart.
But with the backline under pressure following the devastating 33-24 loss to Connacht in Cape Town, a rethink is firmly on the table.
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“We can’t play Damian there [on the wing] forever,” coach John Dobson admitted after the match. “Maybe Seabelo [Senatla] is back this week, and we will see how Suleiman [Hartzenberg] goes. The forwards’ selection might be straightforward, but the backs have a couple of permutations.”
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman on Monday ruled out Senatla for this weekend, while Hartzenberg is back in contention after featuring for the Stormers XXIII.
“Suleiman played for the U23s last weekend, so he’s available,” said Snyman. “Seabelo may only be ready for the quarter finals.”
That opens the door for Willemse to shift back to 15, but Snyman made it clear the coaches are weighing up their options carefully.
“Rugby has become highly contested in the air, with a lot of kicking and aerial battles, and Damian is world class. If we can use him there, where he’s done really well for us on the wing, it also frees him up to attack from almost anywhere on the field.
“So he’s done a great job for us in that space. With Suleiman back, it does open up some options to maybe move him. But we’ll decide later in the week where exactly we’re going to use him.”
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The Stormers’ attack came under the spotlight against Connacht, with handling errors and loose play disrupting their rhythm, particularly in the second half.
Finishing has also become a concern, much to Dobson’s frustration.
“We shovelled rubbish out there far too often,” he said of the Connacht clash.
Glasgow will arrive in Cape Town desperate to respond after being hammered 54-12 by the Lions at Ellis Park.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
