VIDEO: The backline combination Dobbo would pay to watch
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson still believes he can fit all his ‘worldly’ playmakers into one backline, as his team pushes for a top-eight finish in the United Rugby Championship.
Dobson, when asked about Springbok Damian Willemse formally slotting in at outside centre, provided a surprising response.
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“[In terms of] Damian [Willemse]. We wouldn’t announce him at No.13, because people would say we move him around too much.
“They [Damian Willemse with the No.12 jersey and Dan Du Plessis at No.13] do interchange quite a lot.
“Damian is very capable of defending at No.13.
“He’s also very good at carrying, especially off the line-out, and so is Dan [du Plessis].
“Damian does spend more time at No.13 than people realise.”
Dobson followed up by explaining his reason for fielding former Junior Springbok Suleiman Hartzenberg on the wing, despite the utility back’s desire to play outside centre.
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“That’s why Suleiman [Hartzenberg] is on the wing. He’s one of the best in the country at chasing our contestables [kicks] in the air. I think he is an excellent wing.
“The challenge for us is that Suleiman wants to play No.13.
“Against Ulster [away], he wasn’t at his best [playing outside centre] after being out [injured] for a long time.
“In an ideal world, we would’ve kept him at No.13 to build his confidence. I know that’s where he wants to play.
“I know there’s national interest in that [as well], but then we would’ve struggled. Can you imagine if we put Damian [Willemse] on the wing?
“The thing is, Damian Willemse can play anything from No.10 to No.15.
“But we will get Suleiman to No.13, but at the sharp end of this tournament, we have to go with our best team we can put out at the moment.
Dobson hinted that he is eyeing to field a star-studded X-factor backline before the end of the regular season.
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“I reckon there will be a game this season where we will see a backline consisting of Herschel Jantjies, Manie Libbok, Sacha [Feinberg Mngomezulu] at No.12, Damian [Willemse] at No.13 with whichever wings are available and Warrick Gelant at fullback.
“That will be worth [buying] a ticket, won’t it?
“I’m adamant that we will do that in a game this season.
“It will be something special for South African Rugby, but we just need Manie [Libbok] back.”
