Springboks face injury scare as Damian Willemse doubts European tour

Springboks Concerned Over Damian Willemse Injury Ahead of European Tour

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus faces uncertainty over the fitness of full-back Damian Willemse, who suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the Stormers’ historic 31–16 United Rugby Championship win over Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.

Willemse finished the match, being moved to the wing to reduce his workload, but Stormers coach John Dobson confirmed the injury could threaten Willemse’s participation in South Africa’s five-match Autumn International series against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.

“It probably puts some of his tour at risk, but the fact that he didn’t want to come off and kept playing was very special,” Dobson said.

Willemse is South Africa’s only specialist full-back, though alternatives include Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, and Cheslin Kolbe.

The Stormers celebrated a landmark victory, securing their first-ever away win at Benetton and handing the Italian side their first home defeat in a year.