Western Province have to deal with a Willemse curveball
It's in the national interest for coach John Dobson to give the 20-year-old some game-time but will that disrupt the team's Currie Cup momentum?
Damian Willemse. Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images.
Western Province Currie Cup coach John Dobson could be handed a potential curveball on whether to utilise Springbok back Damian Willemse against Griquas this weekend.
Willemse was one of four Province Boks released this week and it will be in the national interest to give him game time to determine whether he could replace Willie le Roux for next weekend’s Wallaby Test in Port Elizabeth.
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Province kicking coach Gareth Wright said: “It’s obviously a decision Dobbo (Dobson) has to make, how to maybe integrate some of the returning Bok players while remaining focused on the Currie Cup goals we have.”
The 20-year-old has previously been touted as being suitable for a role in the No 15 jersey at international level, at least at this early stage of his career.
However, it is also necessary to retain momentum from their win over the Golden Lions at Ellis Park last weekend.
“There’s a lot of things we still need to get right,” he said. “This side is about getting better and fixing things out on the training field.”
While Province want to help the national cause, flyhalf Joshua Stander and fullback Dillyn Leyds have been in great form and it could unsettle their rhythm against a Griquas side who trashed the Cheetahs 52-24 last weekend.
Wright said the Ellis Park result had enhanced their goal of retaining the coveted cup.
“The guys executed well and it would have been a pleasing result for Dobbo and the rest of coaching staff.”
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