'We have a certain plan': Dobson explains Willemse's return to fullback
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson says the main reason behind the changes in his backline for Sunday’s clash against London Irish in the Champions Cup is to improve his team’s defensive system.
The Capetonians received a lot of criticism for their defensive display in last weekend’s 17-24 defeat to Glasgow in the United Rugby Championship.
Damian Willemse was shifted to inside centre for that clash, but he has now returned to the fullback position for Sunday’s clash in Brentford.
In a major boost, the Stormers have Ruhan Nel back in the midfield at No.13 and his ability to marshal the defence will be needed against an attack-minded London Irish side.
Dobson believes Willemse also gives his team something extra on defence when he plays at fullback.
“He [Willemse[ has a really good understanding of our defensive system,” said Dobson.
“We picked up a lot of criticism for our defence last week.
“If we use that line-speed then we need the fullback to have an advanced understanding of both their kicking threat and know how to close [space], so I think that is very good for us.
“Also the way he can launch our counter-attacks. We have a certain plan this week and I think he will be useful there.
“We think that Dan [du Plessis] and Ruhan is an exceptional centre combination.
“We wanted to change one or two things from last week, so it just fits our plan for this week.”
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‘One of the best’
On Nel’s return, Dobson added: “He is probably our defensive leader.
“We had Suleiman [Hartzenberg] in there and he is in his first year out in senior rugby and it is a lot to absorb with a lot of detail.
“It [outside centre] is a very complex position to defend and they say it’s the hardest position on the field.
“We were also certainly not going to leave Dan du Plessis out at the moment with the way he has been playing, so that is how we selected the team.”
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