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    Stormers pivot Damian Willemse feels he has settled at No 10

    2020-06-03 09:53
    • Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse says he's had enough time to settle in the flyhalf position.
    • Willemse can also play fullback, but Springbok Warrick Gelant's arrival will give the former an extended run at No 10.
    • Willemse has stressed the importance of consistency in the pivot position.


    Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse is looking forward to more appearances in the No 10 jersey for the Cape outfit.

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    Willemse can also operate at fullback but the recent signing of Springbok Warrick Gelant from the Bulls suggests the former will have an extended run in the Stormers No 10 jersey when rugby resumes.

    Willemse addressed reporters in an online media conference on Tuesday when he stressed the importance of more consistency in the pivot position.

    "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," Willemse added. "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."

    Willemse, 22, has played six Tests for the Springboks and featured at centre, fullback and wing.

    "At the Stormers I have been playing at flyhalf for the season now. At national level it depends," he added.

    - Compiled by Sport24 staff

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