Damian Willemse reflected on a milestone night at Ellis Park, a chaotic first-half fightback from England, and why the Springboks' depth makes everyone feel safe. Photo: AFP
There was a degree of confusion on Saturday night during the post-match interview on the field, when Damian de Allende accepted the Player of the Match award after the Springboks dismantled England 45-21.
Surely, the murmurs whispered with all due respect to De Allende, the wrong Damian had been called to the podium, such was the impact of fullback Damian Willemse. The 28-year-old, along with Cheslin Kolbe, made their 50th Test appearance at Ellis Park on Saturday, with Willemse enjoying a stellar outing against the English in the Boks first Nations Championship Test of the season.
After the match, Willemse, who was especially titanic under the high-ball, was magnanimous as he reflected on his career thus far, thanking his teammates, former coaches such as Jacques Nienaber, family and friends, while also praising the debut of Paul de Villiers.
The latter, in particular, had massive shoes to fill after the late withdrawal of captain Siya Kolisi due to injury. That was not the only disruption after Eben Etzebeth was also removed from the teamsheet due to suspected concussion.
