Willemse Lauds Italy And Is Ready For Their Challenge

After missing the end-of-year tour last season through injury, Damian Willemse is relishing every moment of being back in the Springbok environment as the four-time World Champions prepare to face Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

“It’s very special,” Willemse said. “I’m obviously very happy to be playing again. I missed it last year due to injury, so I’m just happy to be healthy and fit. It’s lekka being back with the boys, learning a lot, and I’m just happy to be playing again.”

With versatility a key component of the current iteration of the Springbok team and the utility back comfortably slotting in at fullback, centre, or flyhalf, it’s a flexibility that has been carefully developed since his early days in the national setup.

“It’s a super advantage,” Willemse explained. “It’s something the coaches have been moulding into me since I came into the setup in 2018. It’s definitely a role I’ve grown into and something I really cherish. We have quite a few players who can play the role of a utility, and that helps a lot when it comes to team selection. It has a huge benefit for us as a team.”

Discussing the type of challenge Italy would present in comparison to France, the explosive backline player said that while the type of challenge differs, Italy still represents a huge challenge nonetheless.

“They have really built their game. They can defend, they can attack,” said the player affectionately known as ‘Gaza’, stemming from his love for a Jamaican dancehall music group he listened to as a boy. 

Willemse added, “They have brilliant players like Capuozzo and Cannone – that can pull the strings for them, so it will definitely be a big challenge, especially in the air. Set-piece-wise wise they are very strong and are a good mauling side. Their wingers are not scared to get up in the air for the ball. They are a good team, but we’ll be ready for the challenge.”

The self-proclaimed Arsenal fan did not hide his delight at the prospect of playing in the stadium of one of Europe’s elite football teams. 

“I am a big football fan. I am an Arsenal supporter. It will be an incredible atmosphere. I’ve never been there, and it will be the first time for a lot of the guys. I didn’t get to play at Wembley, so I’m happy to play at this venue.”

Willemse was keen to express how important it was for the team to get all the details right during the week and enjoy Saturday.

Following the shock result that saw Italy defeat Australia this past weekend, the two-time World Cup winner emphasised the dangers the Italians could bring.

“It will be a super contest. They will definitely bring the challenge to us – they’re up on a high after the result against Australia, and rightfully so. They’ve been playing good rugby, which we saw when they came to SA. They really put us under pressure and showed very good signs.”

Willemse added, “I’ve played recently for the Stormers in the URC against Parma and Benetton, and playing against some of the Italian players, they’ve made the step up and have some great coaching from their head coach.”

“It’s going to be a battle on the field, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”