Jake White making plans for Stormers star
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is already thinking about endless possibilities of having Damian Willemse and Johan Goosen in his squad.
It has been widely known that the Stormers star is on the Bulls’ radar as White looks to bolster his squad for the Pro16.
It is believed that Western Province are confident that they will secure the 22-year-old’s services, but nothing has been finalised.
During a press conference on Monday, White brought up Willemse’s name while discussing the future of centre Clinton Swart, who is set to move on in the coming months.
“If you consider that we could get Damian [Willemse] and Johan Goosen then what are the chances you are going to use Clinton as a 10 or 12 above them and Chris Smith,” said White.
“It is no secret that we are looking at Damian Willemse. He can play 12, 15 and 10. Johan Goosen is coming, and he can play 10, 12 and 15.
“A guy like Stravino Jacobs can play centre and he can be an explosive centre. Madosh Tambwe and Travis Ismaiel on the wings and Gio Aplon comes back and plays at No.15. David Kriel can move to No.13 or wing.
“Ideally, we are looking at a couple of high-profile players in those positions.”
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White gave an example of a possible backline selection after signings are made.
“There is nothing to stop us from playing Embrose at 9 with Goosen at 10, Cornal [Hendricks] at 12, Stedman [Gans] at 13 and Damian Willemse at 15.
“It is a helluva backline if you think about it. Kurt-Lee Arendse on the one wing and Stravino on the other wing. So, picking different sorts of backlines just depends on who you are getting because the market is open to getting that sort of players,” White added.
