Stormers getting their money's worth

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Damian Willemse has taken his commitment to the Stormers to another level.

Given the long and strenuous United Rugby Championship season, the Stormers have opted to rest some key players for their three-match tour in Italy and Wales.

The URC champs will face Zebre Parma, Ospreys and Cardiff, without Springbok flank Deon Fourie and hooker Joseph Dweba.

Springbok props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe – neither of whom featured in last weekend’s win over Edinburgh – are also missing.

However, Willemse, who was a prominent figure during the Springboks’ Tests series against Wales and Rugby Championship, has travelled with the side to Italy.

The 24-year-old  has had little rest and has hit the ground running for the Stormers.

“The guys that stayed behind are guys who have played quite a lot of rugby for the Springboks,” Stormers defence coach Norman Laker told reporters.

“They left a day after the URC final, on Sunday, played three Test matches against Wales, and then the Rugby Championship.

“I think they had about two days off in between. They are human beings and need rest, like the rest of us.

“So, that was the thinking behind it, to make sure that we have the freshest players possible for when we return for the home part of the season, which is quite important for player safety and so on.”

When asked about Willemse's presence in the travelling squad. Laker said the Springbok, who played at inside centre against Edinburgh last weekend, opted to travel with the team.

“That was [Willemse’s] choice, that he would like to play," Laker said about the 24-year-old who signed a five-year contract with the Cape Town side.

“The strain, if you are talking about the props - Steven and Frans - they have been playing 60-odd minutes in every game in the front row, stopping 10 mauls, mauling 10 times, scrum 12-15 times per game – it’s quite a lot.

“And both those players are 30-plus, where Damian is 24 years old. He asked to be part of the tour and he wants some rugby. That’s the difference between the three guys.”

Italian job

Turning his attention to the upcoming fixture against Zebre, Laker said it will be dangerous to underestimate the Italian side as they have been in great form since last season.

“They are a decent team, they have a new attack coach Dave Williams, a South African who use to be at the Sharks,” Laker said.

“They have done really well against Leinster and could have taken the Sharks, and they have new personnel like Richard Kriel.

“And they found a game plan which suits them.

"They playing with confidence at the moment so you cannot underestimate them.”