Dobson: Gaza ready to spark Stormers

John Dobson is delighted to have fit-again Damian Willemse at fullback as the DHL Stormers prepare for a tough Vodacom URC opener against Ospreys in Swansea.

Willemse, who has been sidelined since the end of May due to a finger injury, starts at fullback for the Stormers’ 2024-25 URC opener and first match of a three-week tour to Europe.The Capetonians tackle Welsh outfit Ospreys at Dunraven Brewery Field this week, before clashes with Zebre and Edinburgh in Italy and Scotland, respectively.

“At the time of his injury, he was one of the best fullbacks in the world. He’s been training well for a while,” Dobson said. “It’s a big boost for us, especially on tour. The surface at the stadium is quite nice, but it’s going to be dark and windswept. Norman Laker compared it to Outeniqua Park. So to have a guy of his ability at the back is going to be useful.

Dobson said that Warrick Gelant, who has also toured with the Stormers, was in contention to make the bench after recovering from a calf strain, but taking conditions and game readiness into account, the decision was made to unleash him next weekend in Italy.

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