Willemse under the spotlight after horror show

REACTION: Questions have again been raised over Damian Willemse’s ability to command the flyhalf role after his poor performance in Saturday’s Springbok Showdown.

The 22-year-old looked uncomfortable at flyhalf in the Gold team’s 9-25 defeat at Newlands and he failed to provide his team with direction on the field.

There was a lot of talk before the game on the battle between Willemse and Elton Jantjies and it was the latter who was clearly the better of the two pivots.

Unlike Willemse, Jantjies was composed and made better decisions on the field. He also outplayed Willemse when it came to the kicking game.

Willemse was also yellow-carded early in the second half for obstructing Yaw Penxe on his way to the tryline, which resulted in a penalty try.

#REACTION: One of the big teams could be signing him shortly – READ MORE 👉https://t.co/FR023Jxdoo pic.twitter.com/nofjwAfgaL

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 4, 2020

Despite the Stormers flyhalf’s performance, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids is not too worried.

“We all know that Damian is a special talent and he can win you games,” Davids told reporters after the match.

“Obviously, rugby players go through the cycle where they maybe don’t have one of the best nights and he just didn’t have one of his best evenings.”

Davids believes certain factors contributed to Willemse’s performance.

“We were a bit under pressure and the conditions were a bit difficult,” Davids added.

“It’s early in the season and with his experience and with his ability, I think he is player that will bounce back and he would have learned under these conditions and the pressure that was there tonight [Saturday].

“I think he will come out stronger next time.”

#REACTION: Sanele Nohamba outplayed Herschel Jantjies in Saturday’s #SpringbokShowdown – READ MORE 👉https://t.co/ffw3zSmcUb pic.twitter.com/pnWVNaZK3T

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 4, 2020