Damian Willemse could be set for a return to fullback as the Stormers weigh up a crucial backline reshuffle ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown against 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 last week’s defeat to Connacht, a rethink is firmly on the table.
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Following the devastating 33-24 loss to Connacht in Cape Town, head coach John Dobson admitted changes are coming.
“We can’t play Damian there (on the wing) forever. Maybe Seabelo (Senatla) is back this week, and we will see how Suleiman goes. The forwards’ selection might be straightforward, but the backs have a couple of permutations.”
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman has since ruled out Senatla for this weekend, while Suleiman Hartzenberg is back in contention after featuring for the Stormers XXIII.
“He played for the U23’s this weekend, so he’s available,” said Snyman. “Seabelo may only be ready for the quarter finals.”
That opens the door for Willemse to shift, but Snyman made it clear the coaches are weighing up their options carefully.
“Rugby has become highly-contested in the air, so there’s a lot of kicking and competing in the air and Damian is world class. So if we could have him in that position where he’s done really well for us on the wing contesting in those positions, 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,” the Stormers Director of Rugby 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 Sports/Gallo Images
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