Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has emphasised that the Springboks trust Damian Willemse to command the backline as he dons the number 10 jersey in Sydney on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

Having spent the whole year to this point playing Test rugby at fullback, Willemse will start against the Wallabies at flyhalf in the absence of the injured Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies.

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“He’s a very, very special player. He’s a natural footballer. He has played in that position many times for the Stormers. He has also done the job for us off the bench,” said Stick.

“Sometimes we have moved him to 10, like in the Test against Wales in Pretoria. You could see the intensity in that game. With him and Willie [le Roux] on the field, there was a bit of energy and we managed to come back into that game.”

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Stick said he is confident that Willemse can cope with the demands of playing as a Test flyhalf as he has found his voice within the Springbok squad.

“As a footballer, Gaza is a good player. He has got a lot of energy. One thing that I enjoy about him, he is also growing in his game. You can see how he plays at fullback, how he manages our game.

“He is getting confidence and the guys are really responding to his voice.

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“It was always the plan for every position to have another two options: a more experienced guy and someone who is growing there, maybe a youngster,” Stick added. “Damian was always a backup for us in that position. Gaza was always an option at flyhalf, as well as Frans Steyn.

“I am very confident that Gaza will come to the party. I am not worried at all. I know he is a warrior. I am most excited to see the partnership with him and Jaden Hendrikse. Both of them are still growing in the team and I am keen to see what they will offer.”

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Photo: Twitter: @Springboks