Dobson plans to move Willemse
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus may want Damian Willemse at fullback, but Western Province coach John Dobson believes he could be more effective in another position.
Willemse, 21, is close to making a return after undergoing knee surgery back in June, and he is likely to play at flyhalf when he makes his comeback.
Dobson, speaking in the build-up to Province’s Currie Cup crunch match with the Pumas at Newlands on Friday, admitted his thought process differs from that of the Bok coach.
He said Willemse could be available to face the Free State Cheetahs in a fortnight.
“Obviously the World Cup plan [for him] is at No.15, but I can’t see us making that change now,” Dobson told a media scrum at the WP team’s training base in Bellville – when asked about the five-times capped Bok.
“Dillyn Leyds means so much to this team [at fullback].
“Wing is very competitive – with Seabelo [Senatla], Sergeal [Petersen], Edwill [van der Merwe] is doing well and is one for the future and SP [Marais is there].
“Damian will come into the frame at No.10, maybe No.12.”
Dobson reiterated that playing him at fullback last year was with a view to the talented young star featuring in the No.15 jersey at the World Cup.
“That [No.15] is where he wanted to be mentally and where [Springbok coach] Rassie [Erasmus] saw him.
“After that [the World Cup], it is a clean slate.
“He is more of a No.10.
“He struggles more at No.15, where he has too much time and too much space.
“He is an instinctive player and is brilliant at the line. He likes the traffic in that area.
“Our plan around here [at Newlands] is him at No.10 going forward.”
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