Stormers coach John Dobson has explained his decision to field Springbok utility back Damian Willemse on the right wing for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Edinburgh in Cape Town.

Willemse, who has predominantly played at inside centre this season with occasional appearances at fullback, will take on a specialised role as the Stormers anticipate a game dominated by contestable kicks.

“Damian is Damian,” Stormers captain Ruhan Nel told reporters on Friday. “I don’t have to elaborate on the quality of player that he is. But I just think from a wing, he was really eager to play there this week. He’s really good under the high ball.”

Nel said Willemse was probably one of the better players in the world under the high ball, and the selection would also support fullback Warrick Gelant.

“Having a world-class 15 on the wing as well is just going to help Warrick as well,” Nel said.

Dobson said the decision was made in collaboration with Willemse, particularly considering Edinburgh scrumhalf Ben Vellacott’s box-kicking ability.

“Firstly, it was a collaboration with Damian and ourselves, looking at how Edinburgh play with kicking contestables,” Dobson said.

The coach said changing weather conditions in Cape Town during April and May would also play a factor, noting that games lost at home had often been affected by such conditions.

Dobson explained that the Stormers had restructured their approach to contestable kicks, with fullback and wing roles becoming more interchangeable than traditional setups.

“Before, the traditional picture you see in a contestable is that fullback running up with nothing behind him. Now, there are variations you can do around that, which might require the wing to get in the air. That role has become a little bit more interchangeable than it was,” he said.

The coach said Willemse had volunteered for the role after discussing Edinburgh’s kicking game.

“Damian has told us for years that he will play wherever the team needs him. He actually came in and spoke about Vellacott and what are we going to do about it? He offered it,” Dobson said.

“I hope it just comes off. Obviously, it’s one of those things; if it doesn’t come off, we’re really going to take a bit of heat.”

The match kicks off at 19:00 on Saturday.

Source: KickOff