Young Damian Willemse is set to be thrown in at the deep end for the Stormers in their Super Rugby playoff against the Chiefs. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images.
The Stormers are going to try and end their Super Rugby playoff curse by picking the two Damians – Willemse and De Allende – as their main organisers in the backline.
Both have made their marks at flyhalf and inside centre respectively the past two weeks but Saturday’s quarterfinal against the Chiefs at Newlands represents a massive challenge.
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And there’s more than one reason why some might be jittery about this combination.
Willemse is a 19-year-old prodigy but he’s still very inexperienced.
De Allende has only recently returned from injury and is still regaining match fitness and his touch.
Yet perhaps the biggest factor is whether the duo have a better understanding of each other’s game.
De Allende sounds cautiously optimistic about that.
“It’s just been nice for us trying to blend in and find each other,” said the Springboks centre.
“We’re trying to connect but I do think there’s an understanding that’s developing. We both have the right mindset. The attacking shape we’re trying to play also benefits us.”
Willemse has been hailed as the flyhalf the Stormers have been yearning for for years and his teammate believes he’s already growing in stature.
“I think he is a talker, a communicator on the field,” said De Allende.
“Once he’s settled, he’ll probably be a big talker. But Damian is still a youngster. We just need to back him.”
Coach Robbie Fleck is far more emphatic over the Willemse’s suitability to take on the New Zealand giants.
“He’s been outstanding,” said the Stormers mentor.
“He brings a different dynamic to our attack. Damian’s a tough boy and gets stuck in. We’ve got belief in him. I have no problem picking him.”
Concerns over whether the responsibility of goalkicking will place unnecessary pressure on Willemse have also been eased by the return of reliable fullback SP Marais.
“SP has had an outstanding season and he’s also kicked really well. We have options,” said Fleck.
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