Junior Boks and Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse says the upcoming U20 rugby World Cup in the south of France is all about “doing it for the team”.
“It’s all about us and not the individual,” he said, speaking from the team’s base in Stellenbosch.
Willemse was part of the 2017 Junior Boks team that claimed bronze at the tournament and this year, the former Paul Roos student has been appointed vice-captain of the team and is relishing the opportunity to play in the tournament again.
Willemse says he wants to do everything he can to help his team reach the final on June 17. PHOTO: Kamva Somdyala
“Last year we were focused on just winning and did not look at our processes and so a big focus this year will be taking each game as it comes. The planning is there, we have world class coaches and it will be up to us to go out and outsmart our opponents with our individual skill.”
Willemse joined the Junior Boks squad late because of his Stormers commitments but veteran rugby writer Mark Keohane doesn’t believe that will have an impact on the cohesion of the team.
Willemse fronts the media before the Junior Boks left for the south of France for their World Cup which kicks-off on 30 May. PHOTO: Kamva Somdyala
“Willemse is a class player and his skill set is stronger than having to adapt to any form of game strategy. He is an asset and his inclusion makes for a stronger Junior Boks challenge,” said Keohane. And that his elevation to the Springboks should be put on hold for now is a view he shares with 2017 SAB sports columnist of the year Simnikiwe Xabanisa.
“Young players benefit from gears in their careers and age group rugby (in this case the Junior Boks) is one such gear. So for the time being, he is fine with the Junior Boks,” said Xabanisa.
“And if Willemse, an experienced player in the tournament can add value to his team in a winning cause – that will be good for his confidence,” added Xabanisa. Keohane agrees: “Here [Junior World Cup] he gets to take ownership of a tournament and he will be better for the experience. It’s an important part of his rugby tuition.”
Willemse says there is always pressure on players and the added pressure with his experience will have no bearing on his performances. PHOTO: Kamva Somdyala
Although experienced, Willemse believes there’s always pressure on players. “For me, it’s about focusing on what I need to do as a flyhalf, a lot of the decision making depends on me.”
Xabanisa believes that if experienced players such as Willemse get through the “added pressure” which comes with their experience – unscathed, it will be good news.
Coach Chean Roux says the experience of players returning (such as Willemse) is “invaluable”. “Experienced players give you a backbone to the team and as coaches we are able to build a team around that backbone.”
Willemse is looking forward to a team effort at the World Cup and for them to “win it”.
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