Rugby rivalry: Wilson backs Willemse to shine against All Blacks

Former New Zealand wing Jeff Wilson has backed Damian Willemse to make a major impact in Saturday’s first Test at Ellis Park. The Springboks and All Blacks are beginning a four-Test series in Johannesburg, with Wilson identifying a key player for each team.

Willemse is the South African player who has most caught Wilson’s attention. The versatile back can feature at centre, cover the midfield, play at fullback or contribute from the bench, and Wilson believes his value extends across several positions.

Wilson has also focused on the Springboks’ flyhalf selection. Manie Libbok started at No 10 in South Africa’s opening Nations Championship match against England and is expected to retain the position at Ellis Park, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also in contention.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu returned from injury during the Springboks’ narrow victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires. The 24-year-old has not played extensively, but Wilson expects him to become more influential as the series develops rather than necessarily making his biggest contribution in the opening Test.

For New Zealand, Wilson selected scrumhalf Cam Roigard as the player to watch. Roigard has not yet played on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour after withdrawing late before the All Blacks’ win over the Sharks in Durban because of a calf strain. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie expects him to be available for the series opener.

Wilson believes Roigard’s athleticism, conditioning, skills and understanding of the game could alter the way the All Blacks operate. His assessment places the scrumhalf alongside Willemse as a player capable of changing the contest through his range of roles and attacking influence, while South Africa’s selection at flyhalf remains another important focus before kick-off.