The Stormers have been given a major boost with the news that backline star Damian Willemse has signed a five-year contract extension. Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Returning Bok stars to boost Stormers
Damian Willemse forms part of the trio of Bok tour members who have returned to boost the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.
The Stormers have been given a major boost with the news that backline star Damian Willemse has signed a five-year contract extension. Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
After a month-long break in the URC, all four South African teams will return to competition this weekend, with the Stormers set to face Italian club Zebre on Saturday.
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Along with Willemse, lock duo Marvin Orie and Salmaan Moerat have slotted straight back into training with the Stormers after touring to the UK with the Boks, and are expected to be considered for selection.
Willemse started the Boks’ first November Test against Wales, but he suffered a concussion early on in a blow that derailed what could have been a big end-of-year tour for the youngster.
Orie and uncapped Moerat didn’t manage to bank any game time on the Springboks’ tour, but will boost the Stormers this weekend.
“As you all know, Salmaan and Marvin were both touring with the Springboks. They came back so they will be available for us this weekend,” Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani commented on Tuesday.
“Damian Willemse is available for us. They haven’t been around us for a while, especially Marvin and Damian, but it’s very good to have them back.”
Stormers pack set for double boost
The Stormers forwards coach added that the Moerat and Orie would certainly make welcome additions to the pack.
“It’s quite exciting to have Salmaan and Marvin there. They’re very different players, Marvin is very experienced when it comes to lineouts. He’ll give us a good buffer there… he hasn’t played in a while, so we just hope he’s not rusty. [But] if he is we’ll make sure that we train so he’s nice and ready come Saturday.
“It also gives us a bit of room when it comes to substitutions. It’s quite exciting to have those two guys back and it gives us more room to play around with selection and substitutions come game day.”
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URC fixtures this weekend:
Saturday, 27 November
Stormers v Zebre, CT Stadium – 15:00
Sharks v Scarlets, Kings Park – 17:30
Bulls v Munster, Loftus – 19:45
Sunday, 28 November
Lions v Cardiff, Ellis Park – 16:00
