Why Willemse is on the wing: Stormers lean into high-ball battle
REACTION: The Stormers’ decision to deploy Damian Willemse on the wing is less a gamble and more a calculated response to the modern aerial game.
While the Springbok star is best known for his versatility across 10, 12, and 15, the move has been shaped by both opposition analysis that Stormers coach John Dobson and his coaching staff looked at, as well as a broader tactical shift in how teams contest the high ball.
“It was a collaboration with Damian,” Dobson told the media on Friday after the team announcement. “We looked closely at how Edinburgh play and adapted our system accordingly.”
That system tweak centres on a more fluid back-three, where traditional roles are blurred. Rather than relying solely on a fullback to contest kicks, wings are now expected to compete in the air, which is a responsibility tailor-made for Willemse.
Widely regarded as one of the best under the high ball, Willemse’s inclusion on the wing adds a new dimension to the Stormers’ contestable kicking strategy.
“The roles have become more interchangeable,” the coach said. “It gives you more options and better protection if you don’t lose the scraps.”
*Also read HUGE BLOW: Bok giant likely to miss rest of season
The shift reflects a broader trend in the global game. Recent statistics show a significant rise in contestable kicks, with the Six Nations underlining the importance of winning broken-field battles and transitions.
For captain Ruhan Nel, the change is as much about what Willemse brings to those around him.
“Having him on my outside is massive,” Nel said. “He’s a great communicator, a hard worker, and one of the best in the world under the high ball. It’s probably more him empowering me than the other way around.”
Importantly, the move was not imposed; Willemse drove it.
“He came to us and asked what we were going to do about it, and then offered himself,” Dobson explained. “That tells you everything about him.”
Whether stationed at flyhalf, centre, fullback, or now wing, Willemse’s impact remains constant, and so does his connection with the Cape Town faithful.
“He’s diving over in the corner no matter where he plays,” Nel added. “The people love seeing him out there.”
“It’s one of those things. If it comes off, it looks great. If it doesn’t, we’ll take the heat,” Dobson stated.
NEW IN THE APP: Official World Rugby Rankings hub! Compare team rankings side-by-side, with data going back 20 years.
Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
