Springbok utility back Damian Willemse could return as soon as the end of the month for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, but there was some bad news, with Bok prop Steven Kitshoff out for a minimum six weeks with a neck injury. He had only recently returned to the field in the Currie Cup after a knee injury.
The Cape side is set to take on the Ospreys in Wales at the end of the month after their initial URC opener – a home derby against the Bulls – was postponed to early next year.
Willemse recently recovered from a finger injury and has joined the Western Province Currie Cup side during training, but hasn’t played any rugby since the injury. He’s missed all the Springbok Tests this year and if everything goes according to plan with his return, he should be available for the Boks’ November Tests in Europe.
Right now, though, his return alongside the meteoric rise of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the prowess of Manie Libbok and the talismanic Warrick Gelant will give the coaches of the Stormers some food for thought when they all become available in October ahead of the internationals.
It’s probably the flyhalf jersey and who will wear it between Libbok and Feinberg-Mngomezulu that should give director of rugby John Dobson the biggest headache. Feinberg-Mngomezulu has taken to international rugby like a duck to water and was even selected ahead of Springbok World Cup hero Handre Pollard for a few important Rugby Championship matches.
The next selection poser is the choice of fullback, with Willemse and Gelant the two Boks jostling for that spot.
Willemse is, of course, comfortable at inside centre, too, but incumbent Dan du Plessis will also want a say over that jersey.
Luckily these conundrums will only show their face around October or even in December thanks to the Boks and their November Tests.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus also recently said he won’t dictate to the URC coaches where to play who, when he was asked about the Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Libbok situation.
“What they do at the Stormers, I don’t want to say it’s relevant, but we will never say to a franchise coach where to play a guy.”
“What they do at the Stormers, I don’t want to say it’s relevant, but we will never say to a franchise coach where to play a guy,” said Erasmus.
“It’s his income, their livelihood, their supporters base and franchise that must make money and win. It will almost be more interesting when Damian Willemse is fit. It will be Damian, Sacha and Manie. That is three great playmakers that you have in your team.”
The Stormers are set to have their annual camp in the southern Cape and Dobson has been scrambling to get some warm-up games for his players ahead of their trip to Wales.
Most of the URC stars missed the Currie Cup, playing only a few games towards the end, so they will be keen to get a hit-out before setting off on another journey at the end of the month.