With recent experience of two Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Finals and the ultimate in knockout rugby at last year’s Rugby World Cup, Damian Willemse knows exactly the mindset his DHL Stormers teammates will be in as they prepare for their quarter-final clash with the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland this weekend.
Speaking from Cape Town where he is still recovering from finger ligament surgery, Willemse said the different level of pressure that comes with knockout rugby makes it a special experience.
“Making it into the play-offs and to be able to play in a knockout game is always a special occasion. You work the whole season to reach this goal of making the top eight in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, so to get there is the first achievement and the first tick of the box,” said Willemse.
“Your focus as a player definitely goes up. The intensity and attention to detail is definitely heightened. You just know and feel that this is not a regular season week. When you get into these kinds of weeks you sacrifice certain things and you’re just a little bit more switched on and ready for the moment. You are well aware of the weight on your shoulders and the implications of this match, and that you’re carrying your club and your fans.
“My approach to knockout games is to just stick to my routine, which is based on recovery and making sure I’m fully recovered and fit and ready to go again the next week. You follow that routine that’s been working for you all season. You’re not going to get fitter or stronger in a week’s time, but you can get a bit smarter. So I usually take time to study the game and make sure I’m fully prepared for any scenario that might happen. At the Rugby World Cup there were different scenarios and moments where we were under pressure, but where our preparation and analysis carried us through.”
This will be the first time that the DHL Stormers are playing a Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-final away from home, which brings with it a different focus.
“We’ve had two quarter-finals at home now, so this will be our first one away. But I think they’ll enjoy it in Glasgow. For us as a team, traveling to Europe has been a feature in terms of experiencing that lifestyle and culture and those fans at the stadiums.
“Knockout weeks are really special in terms of your preparation. Their prep has been going really well and I know they’re preparing for a tough game against a Glasgow Warriors team that has been in really good form this season.
“I’ll be at home recovering but supporting the boys. I know they’ll give it their all and try and make Cape Town proud. Hopefully we can pull it through. I think it will be an incredible contest. The Glasgow Warriors have been playing really well and we’ll have to be at our best and even a little bit more to pull this one off. I’m looking forward to a great rugby match.”
