Fully fit Stormers backline set to make Damian Willemse's 100th cap extra special

Willemse recently returned from back-to-back groin and finger injuries that kept him out of action for several months, while other Springbok stars like Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu were also stuck on the sidelines.

But Feinberg-Mngomezulu has since made a spectacular return to full fitness while Libbok will also be back for this weekend's clash after a lengthy absence, and having all his teammates back for his 100th cap makes it an extra special occasion for Willemse.

"It's amazing. A special occasion for me to bring up the 100th," he told the press on Monday. "I've got to give thanks to the coaches, giving me that responsibility, and trusting me. And the players.

"They all helped shape me, and made me the player that I am today and not just on the field, but off the field as well; for calling me out if I'm not working hard enough, or I'm flying a little bit too high.

"I think it's pretty incredible for us as well... I don't think there's been a time in recent history that we've all been fit and ready to play together.

"It's always been myself injured, or Manie was injured now, or recently Sacha. But now, all of us are healthy and ready to play.

"We've been coming up with nice plays, and I think it came through nicely in the Benetton game. Yeah, so I'm just looking forward to it, [but] there's still a lot to come."

Of course, the Stormers backline is made up of more than just their Springbok stars, as Willemse was quick to point out.

"For a guy like me, having Warrick [Gelant] who can distribute and also make the play, [Seabelo] Senatla, Ben Loader on the wing who can also finish, and Sacha has been outstanding the last few weeks, he's just going to grow from strength to strength," he added.

Being stuck on the sidelines for the better part of five months has not been easy for Willemse, but it's given him some time to reflect on his career up to this point.

"It's obviously given me a nice reality check, being out of the game for a while," he said.

"On the other side, it's also just appreciating and not taking the opportunity to play rugby for granted... being able to physically do certain things within my skill set. With a groin injury, it limits you sometimes kicking or stepping."

Since his return, Willemse has been selected in three separate positions, featuring at flyhalf, centre and fullback, but he insists he's always happy to help out wherever he's needed in the Stormers backline.

"Look, for us, it's not really the number you wear or position you're playing; we try to put ourselves in situations and scenarios that's going to cover whatever we think [is important], based on analysis for the weekend," he said.

"If we do get ourselves in certain positions and scenarios, we are able to adapt. We've got the coaches helping us identify certain stuff and we need to take that on and make the decision as a group and as individuals, and basically sign it off."

Like everyone else, Willemse has been marveling at the exploits of teammate Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has caught the eye with a couple of spectacular performances since returning from injury.

"He is a brilliant player, he has stepped up and played really well for us and put us in a very good position, especially in the Benetton game with some of his kicks and the tries that he set up," he said.

"Almost that wild card, pulling something out of the hat that we really needed and that puts teams under pressure. We just need him to keep on doing what he's doing at the moment."

While this weekend's clash against the Dragons is sure to be a special occasion for Willemse, he hasn't lost sight of the main goal - ensuring the Stormers win the game as they target the best possible finish to the URC season.

"At the end of the day, a special occasion is cool but the first priority is to win the game and go out this weekend and make ourselves and our fans proud," he said.

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