Springboks utility-back Damian Willemse has already collected two Rugby World Cup winners’ medals and been part of a British & Irish Lions series triumph, but the latest chapter of his Test career has delivered another achievement he will cherish deeply.
Willemse was a key star of the South African side that came from one-down to beat the All Blacks 3-1 in the inaugural four-Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. He played an important role in Saturday’s 43-28 victory in Baltimore after returning from an injury that saw him miss the second match. The win added another special achievement to his already impressive international career.
At just 28-years old, he has achieved more than most players do in a career; however, he has dedicated the success to being in a special environment and embracing the privilege to wear the green and gold.
"It’s super special. Whenever you run out there and represent the Springboks, and you’ve got the Springbok on your heart, you just want to go out there and make everyone proud — your teammates, your family and South Africa," Willemse said.
"Whenever I go out there with all my friends and my mates, it’s a dream come true to live this dream. So, this victory doesn’t only belong to us; it belongs to South Africa as well."
The Boks’ ability to turn the series around after losing the opening Test at Ellis Park made the achievement even sweeter.
After losing their number-one spot in the world rankings following the 33-16 defeat in Johannesburg, South Africa responded with three consecutive victories, winning in Cape Town (33-26), Soweto (29-24) and finally Baltimore to claim the series 3-1.
Willemse believes the setback in the first Test forced the group to look closely at themselves and sparked the response they wanted to give.
"Obviously, after the first Test and taking that loss, I think there were certain areas and parts of our game that we had to work on, that we probably hadn’t focused on as much," Willemse said.
"I think that really allowed us as a group to look internally, help each other, tighten up on our game and just really lock in. Credit to the coaching staff and how they came up with plans and solutions, got us going again and gave us belief after that first Test.
"This was massive. A lot of guys, this is one of their first big series, and how we’ve changed teams throughout the Nations Series and just grown as a squad is big. We’ll take a lot of positives and confidence from this, and we’ll just keep on building."
The final Test in Baltimore was another physical one, with the All Blacks threatening to level the series after half-time. They upped the tempo and tried to run the world champions off their feet. However, the defence of South Africa ensured they repelled attempts on their try line time and again to keep their opponents at bay.
Willemse was particularly proud of the way they responded when New Zealand put them under pressure before half-time, and he was glad they held their nerve.
"It was a tough game. We expected a really tough game. Obviously, New Zealand, being 2-1 down, wanted to fire at us and draw the series," Willemse said.
"But I think it was about how we reacted after half-time when they scored that try. We stuck to our guns, made our plans at the break, and I’m just really proud of everyone in the team, the coaching staff and everyone involved for finding answers and coming out swinging.
"But, yeah, all in all, we’re super stoked and happy with the series win. This really means a lot to all of us and to South Africa." | IOL Sport