Springboks star puts ‘tour at risk’ forcing Rassie Erasmus into a rethink and what it means for Cheslin Kolbe

Due to an injury received during the United Rugby Championship (URC) victory against Benetton, Damian Willemse, a crucial back, may not be available for the November internationals for the Springboks.

The Stormers defeated the Italian team 31-16 in Treviso on Saturday night, extending their winning streak in the URC, but it appears that the Springboks paid a price for the victory. After battling through the agony of a hamstring injury, Willemse, who began the game at inside center, ended it on the wing.

Damian Willemse out?

The 27-year-old started the final two games against Argentina and played a key role in the Boks’ historic victory over the All Blacks as South Africa defended their title for the first time in their history.

He has since been added to Erasmus’ squad for the November internationals, in which the Boks will play Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.

However, Willemse may be sidelined for the Boks as Stormers manager John Dobson confirmed that he suffered an injury that could jeopardize his participation in the end-of-year tour.

Following the victory that puts the Stormers atop the URC table going into the international break, Dobson stated, “Damian has probably got a pulled hamstring.”

“I thought it was very smart of Ruhan [Nel] to move him to the wing so he wouldn’t have to defend as much.” It merely encapsulates the personality.

It has very likely jeopardized a portion of his tour. He continued playing with the Stormers because he didn’t want to go, which was really unique. Willemse was the only recognized full-back in the touring group, therefore Erasmus and his coaching staff would have a difficult time choosing a replacement for him.

This year, Willie le Roux, Aphelele Fassi and Willemse have started in the number 15 jersey for the Springboks; however, Le Roux has been omitted from the squad, while Fassi has been ruled out through an injury he sustained against the All Blacks.

While the severity of Willemse’s injury has not been disclosed just yet, Erasmus will surely be forced into testing his depth at full-back.

Frontrunner: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Willemse’s absence would be a mighty blow to the full-back stocks, but as things stand, Erasmus is spoilt for choice at fly-half, which could result in a positional switch for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

The Bok coaching staff obviously agrees that the number 10 jersey best fits the 23-year-old’s skill set, as he has made no secret of his preference for it.

But he can play both full-back and center, which he will do for the Stormers. In the Green and Gold shirt, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has made appearances at full-back both off the bench and later in games, although he has always started at fly-half. If Willemse is unable to play, Erasmus may be able to use Handre Pollard or Manie Libbok in the number 10 shirt, which may change that.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu started all of the last three Bok Tests in the fly-half role and featured there on his return to the Stormers, but looks to be the leading candidate to fill Willemse’s void.

In the mix: Cheslin Kolbe

Cheslin Kolbe appears to be a secure choice at the back if Feinberg-Mngomezulu isn’t available. Kolbe’s 46 Test caps for the Springboks have only been in the number 15 jersey once, against Ireland in 2022, despite the fact that he has spent the majority of his club rugby career at full-back for the Stormers, Toulouse, Toulon, and Suntory Sungoliath.

We don’t have the double Rugby World Cup winner as the front-runner since he is simply one of the top wingers in the international game and has been for a while.

Erasmus may be hesitant to relinquish his star winger’s preferred position, where he enjoys greater autonomy and potentially makes a greater effect.

He does have the skill-set to match the role, though and would be a very safe and sharp selection.

Outside bet: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Willie le Roux

Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe, two Springboks wingers who have also played in the position for their club sides, provide Erasmus two more flexible alternatives. All of Arendse’s Test matches thus far have been on the wing, but he has accomplished much more for the Bulls and during his time with the DynaBoars in Japan.