Damian Willemse Ready To Make Number 10 Jersey His Own

Talented Stormers utility back Damian Willemse has shed some light on the debate surrounding which number the youngster should be wearing on his back.

Willemse is comfortable at both fly-half and fullback, having being used in both positions by his franchise many times.

However, the Stormers’ recent acquisition – Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant – suggests that Willemse will in all probability settle in the fly-half channel for the foreseeable future.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Willemse said:

"I remember Paul Feeney (former Stormers assistant coach) telling me that," Willemse said. "He always told me not to be so hard on myself and just to play the game. He said once I get to 35 games, he would start backing off - not stop coaching me but allowing me to start running things.

"I think I am at around 30 or so games. I don't think I need any more time to settle in. I have been around world-class players. It is just about how you perform and that you perform week in and week out.

"I think I have definitely become a better player than I was four years ago.  It is all about my consistency. I don't think it's a question of me needing more freedom.

"We are always backed by our coaches at the Stormers to play what we see. But within that, there is a game plan. Throughout the week we sit and plan about how we are going to go against our opposition. It is important to look at what the opposition is going to bring and play according to that."