Gcobani Bobo believes Damian Willemse could be even more valuable to the Stormers if they move him from fullback.
Willemse is set to feature primarily in the last line of defence for the Stormers in the URC and Investec Champions Cup this season, but his versatility gives head coach John Dobson plenty of options across the backline.
Bobo, however, would bring the 28-year-old closer to the action at inside centre, where he believes his footwork, distribution and ability to break the gainline could have a greater impact.
“Damian is one of the better rugby players we have seen in a long time,” the former Bok and Stormers centre said at a URC media conference.
“He can play anywhere in the backline.
“I prefer him at inside centre. I enjoy it when he is closer to the ball. His footwork, he is dangerous and the way he gets over the gainline is remarkable.”
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Willemse has made 118 appearances for the Stormers and has started his Test career at three different positions.
Of his 55 Springbok caps, he has started 27 at fullback, eight at flyhalf and two at inside centre.
Bobo believes Willemse’s ability to find space and link play makes him an intriguing option in the midfield.
“We saw against the All Blacks how Damian gets himself into space in the 43-10 match in Wellington in 2025,” he said.
“Something special just happens when the young man gets the ball. He distributes the ball well and helps the flyhalf. It would be good for someone like Yaqeen Ahmed or even Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) to have him at inside centre.”
Bobo also drew a comparison with former All Black Aaron Mauger, who started his career at flyhalf before moving into the midfield.
“He (Mauger) was one of the better centres because of the way he understood what the flyhalf needed in terms of communication and other things,” Bobo said.
“Mauger meant a lot to someone like Dan Carter early in his career.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
