Backline Swiss Army knife: Damian Willemse understands the need for versatility

The talented Willemse is worth his weight in gold in the current Springbok setup. Like the mercurial Frans Steyn before him, he can cover the length of the backline, allowing the Bok bosses to pick aggressive 6-2 or 7-1 bench splits.

Like the national side, the Stormers currently have an abundance of talent in the backline. Sacha Feinburg-Mngomezulu has nailed down the flyhalf position, but after that, there are options aplenty. Any combination of Dan du Plessis, Ruhan Nel, Wandisile Simelane and Jonathan Roche can run out in the centres.

Depth in the back three has taken a hit with speedster Seabelo Senatla out with a calf injury since March, prompting Director of Rugby John Dobson to think outside the box rather than just pull up the next wing in line.

By naming Warrick Gelant at fullback and Willemse on the wing, there's two playmaker options in the back field for the Stormers.

"It's been a very good challenge," Willemse told the press this week.

"It's been a great addition to the team. I felt it helped us a lot with our adaptability to our kicking and how we approach other teams' kicking games.

"I guess it's another skill set that I've developed over the past few weeks with the coaches' help. It's been going well, and I've been enjoying it."

The situation is not unlike what former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers was thrust into early in his career. While the intercept king predominantly plied his trade at inside centre, there was a time when he was too good to leave out the side and he found himself up against the touchline. De Villiers would earn 13 caps on the wing for the green and gold.

But Willemse is being pragmatic about where he finds himself. Any new skill learned is another weapon in his substantial repertoire that he can take to the Springboks, where coach Rassie Erasmus places huge value on versatility.

"It is about playing in the wider channels, and most outside backs need the ability to be sound under the high ball," he continued.

"It is a new challenge for me, but something I have been used to when covering the wider channels.

"A number [on the back of the jersey] is just a number, and as long as I am on the field and playing, it helps me as a player.

"That is where the modern game is going. You need multiple players, playing in multiple positions and being interchangeable."

At the moment, wing may seem like Willemse's fourth best postion. But the double World Cup winner is class and will undoubtedly improve.