Share

Rassie puts in Willemse request with WP

Cape Town - Damian Willemse will start at fullback for Western Province in Saturday night's Currie Cup clash against Griquas at Newlands. 

And, according to coach John Dobson, that was a request that came right from the top in the form of Springbok head coach and director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus

Dobson could very easily have kept faith in Dillyn Leyds in the No 15 jersey given that the 26-year-old has been in good form so far in the competition, but with Wille le Roux unavailable for the home Tests against Australia and New Zealand, the Boks must field a new fullback. 

Willemse emerges as a likely option given that Erasmus, since the beginning of the Rugby Championship, has been keen to see him run out at fullback. 

"We received a very courteous request," Dobson was quoted as saying on Netwerk24.

"We used him at fullback in the Currie Cup final last year and he did very well."

Dobson added that he expected Willemse to take a lot of ball as first receiver too, allowing him to show his capabilities at flyhalf. 

Leyds, meanwhile, will play off the bench. 

Kick-off on Saturday is at 19:30.

WP team:

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 JJ Engelbrecht, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Chris van Zyl (captain), 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Substitutes: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Caylib Oosthuizen, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Ernst van Rhyn, 20 Justin Phillips, 21 Dan du Plessis, 22 Dillyn Leyds

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1140 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1318 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2018 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE