Willemse's Injury Puts Springbok Tour in Doubt, Malherbe Likely to Recover
Damian Willemse’s recent groin injury has cast doubt on his availability for the upcoming Springbok tour of Scotland, England, and Wales. Willemse, a key figure for both the Stormers and the Springboks, had recently returned to play after recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him for the entire international season so far. His comeback was marked by a standout performance against Munster, earning him a place in the Springbok squad. However, the Stormers' clash with Glasgow Warriors saw him limp off the field in pain after scoring a try, with early reports suggesting that he may miss the November internationals.
The timing of Willemse’s injury is unfortunate for both him and the Springboks. He was expected to play a significant role on the tour, particularly in the critical matches against the Northern Hemisphere giants. Stormers coach John Dobson expressed disappointment over the impact of Willemse's exit, describing it as a "massive blow" to their plans, noting that the Stormers were leading the game when Willemse went off. The Stormers struggled to maintain their momentum, eventually losing 28-17 to Glasgow, underscoring Willemse's importance to the team’s structure and leadership on the field.
This setback came alongside other injury concerns for the Stormers, including flanker Ben-Jason Dixon and Bok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe. Malherbe, who was also making his season debut for the Stormers, exited the game early in the second half with ankle discomfort. Dobson later downplayed the severity of Malherbe’s injury, suggesting it was not long-term and that Malherbe is still expected to join the Springbok squad for the upcoming tour.
The Stormers’ loss to Glasgow also highlighted some of the team’s structural issues. Dobson’s reshuffling of the backline, with captain Dan du Plessis at outside centre instead of his preferred inside role, and Ruhan Nel moved to the wing, seemed to disrupt the team’s chemistry. Manie Libbok, another Springbok star, also struggled with inconsistency, contrasting his recent success for the Boks with a shaky performance. Dobson acknowledged that the selection changes were not the primary reason for the defeat, attributing the result to an overall lack of execution and focus by his players.
As for Willemse, initial assessments from Dobson suggested a recovery period of up to two weeks, which would potentially have him fit for the England game on November 16. However, according to Afrikaans newspaper Rapport, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has reportedly already ruled Willemse out of the tour. Bulls No. 8 Cameron Hanekom is rumored to be the leading candidate to replace Willemse, a change that would require further adaptation in the Bok squad’s composition.
While Malherbe’s injury is not expected to impact his availability, the absence of Willemse could be a substantial setback for the Springboks. His dynamic play and versatility have made him a valuable asset, whether at fly-half, full-back, or as a general playmaker. Losing him will not only affect the Springboks' depth but may also lead to a rethink in their approach for the Northern Hemisphere tour. The potential absence of Willemse emphasizes the importance of squad depth and the resilience needed to overcome unforeseen challenges in international rugby.
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