Former World Cup-winning coach Jake White says Damian Willemse has the ‘potential to be the Bok No 10 for the foreseeable future’.
In his latest column for AllOutRugby, White suggested that the teenager could be South Africa’s long-term answer at flyhalf.
‘Damian Willemse is definitely the real deal. I had heard a lot about him from Johan Rupert, because his daughter Caroline is the one who found Damian and paid for him to go to Paul Roos, but it’s only now that I’m back in South Africa on holiday that I’ve been able to watch him in Super Rugby.
‘If we go with a flyhalf who is now 19, then we’ll be in a situation similar to what England had with Jonny Wilkinson, Australia had with Stephen Larkham and the All Blacks had with Dan Carter – the same 10 for a long time.
‘He ticks all the boxes and what I like most is that he’s quick. I know people say that he’s brave on defence and he kicks nicely, but one thing that South Africa has lacked for a long time is a really quick No 10.
‘Picking a youngster in such a high-profile position does come with its challenges, but they’re nice challenges if he’s managed properly.’
White also lauded the maturity Willemse has shown after being thrust into a professional set-up directly after school.
‘Self-confidence doesn’t seem to be a problem for Willemse either. Last year he made no secret of his expectation to start for the Stormers in 2018 despite facing competition from Rob du Preez and Jean-Luc du Plessis.
‘That’s a very good sign. Some of the best youngsters I’ve coached had that trait – Frans Steyn and John Smit didn’t want to hear about the pecking order, they expected the coach to pick the best player now. Often coaches will say, “your time will come” but it doesn’t work like that with elite talent, because if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
‘Willemse has the potential to be the Bok 10 for the foreseeable future, if we manage him with the support of senior players. Calling on older and wiser guys, like Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar, would help shield him and reduce some of the pressure, on and off the field.’
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