Damian Willemse attempts a tackle on Connacht winger Shayne Bolton with veteran hooker Scarra Ntubeni assisting in their URC clash on Saturday. After featuring on the wing lately, the Stormers could switch the utility back to one of his preferred positions this week.
Image: BackpagePix
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson will have a couple of tough selection decisions to make this week ahead of their final United Rugby Championship (URC) home league match against the Glasgow Warriors.
After a 33–24 loss to Connacht, it’s desperation time for the Cape side as they go in search of five points to keep them in the top two on the log this weekend. There is even a chance to go top if they can prevent Glasgow from earning any points at the DHL Stadium.
Given that the Lions managed that, it is something the Stormers can aim for, but with another emotional and disruptive week ahead, it could be a tough ask.
The funeral of long-time team manager Chippie Solomon takes place on Tuesday, which will cost them another training day in their preparation. The squad will also still be mourning following the service. However, they owe their supporters an improved performance, especially on attack, as they look to return to winning ways.
For that to happen, some tweaks are needed — particularly in the backline.
For one, the Damian Willemse-at-wing experiment must come to an end. Yes, he has been excellent in a time of need in that position, and within their kicking game, he has been instrumental in regaining possession in the air. However, he serves the team best at inside centre or fullback.
That is where the conundrum lies.
The midfield combination of Dan du Plessis and captain Ruhan Nel has been solid, but Willemse at 12 adds a different dimension to the Stormers’ dangerous backline and attacking play. Operating outside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also restore a measure of calm at flyhalf.
Willemse and Nel also have a strong understanding when they combine in the centres — on both attack and defence — so it would make sense to move him back into the thick of things. The double World Cup winner took a heavy knock to what appeared to be his arm against Connacht but stayed on, underlining his desire to contribute.
Another option would be to move him to the No 15 jersey and have fellow Springbok Warrick Gelant come off the bench. Gelant is best utilised at fullback, so it makes little sense to shift him to the wing. Second-choice flyhalf Jurie Matthee missed the Connacht match due to an ankle injury sustained in training. If he is not fit this week, Willemse or Gelant could provide cover at No 10.
On the wing, Suleiman Hartzenberg or Mfundo Ndhlovu could step in to fill any gaps. Hartzenberg has lost a bit of form, while Ndhlovu has enjoyed a good run with the Stormers XXIII recently, although he did not feature on Saturday against the Bulls XV.
“We’ve got to get our selections right — that is going to be a challenge for us,” Dobson said ahead of the looming Glasgow clash.
“We can’t play Damian there (on the wing) forever. Maybe Seabelo (Senatla) is back this week, and we will see how Suleiman goes. Jurie should be back too. The forwards’ selection might be straightforward, but the backs have a couple of permutations.”
That suggests they are seriously weighing up changes in the backline. Their attack misfired against Connacht, and some loose play hampered their ability to retain possession through multiple phases, particularly in the second half.
It is another area that needs attention, alongside their inability to finish when they get into scoring positions.
“We shovelled rubbish out there far too often,” Dobson said, of the Connacht clash.
“We were loose throughout, and there were patches in the first half where we just tried to move the ball around without doing the hard work. But we did some amazing things in the second half. We felt like we needed to sort of invent (something) to beat them when the template is already there.
“It is disappointing not to get at least two points from the clash. We wanted to go on tour without too much pressure. Now we have to win three games in a row.”