Damian Willemse is arguably the most exciting young prospect in South African rugby at the moment.
He's got the flair, the running ability and the step. But he is also a physical rugby player, who doesn't shy away from a tackle and loves to take the ball to the line.
There is a big hype around the kid. It's been like that since he dominated his peers at schoolboy level. And now Willemse is set to make his international debut for the Springboks when they take on Argentina in Durban on Saturday.
Willemse has been picked on the bench and will cover fullback and flyhalf. But coach Rassie Erasmus is keen to see how the Stormers player goes at fullback, as he looks to build capacity in that position.
Furthermore, two uncapped players, Damian Willemse (utility back) and Marco van Staden (loose forward), were included amongst the replacements and are set to make their Springbok Test debuts off the bench at Jonsson Kings Park. pic.twitter.com/wERrodpWM9
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) August 16, 2018
Erasmus is also looking for a versatile player, who can contribute in more than one position when the 2019 World Cup comes around.
"I would like to see him at fullback, just to see how he goes as we try and build for next year," Erasmus said at the Springboks' team announcement on Thursday.
"He played fullback for Western Province in the Currie Cup final. He has got enough experience in a pressure game to handle that. The Rugby Championship is a different beast, but that's the best way to learn.
"He has gone through a full season of Super Rugby and he is one of those younger guys who can physically stand up. The expectation is going to be big and it's all about how he handles that. If he gets through that, he is a talent that we can take to the World Cup as a utility back."
Tough Bulls flank Marco van Staden is also set to take the field for the first time in the green and gold after he was picked on the bench.
Van Staden is a rare breed of South African loose forward, a genuine fetcher for he is as tough as they come when fighting for the ball on the ground.
Veteran flank Francois Louw will play in the No 6 jersey for the Boks -- South Africa's openside -- while captain Siya Kolsi has been selected at blindside flank because of his ball-carrying abilities. Lions No 8 Warren Whiteley will play the link role.
"If we do struggle at the breakdown we can always move Marco to openside and Flo to No 8. If we struggle with the pace of the game and the speed and the width, you can always just make a straight swap with whoever is struggling.
"Marco is good on both sides of the breakdown, the defensive and attacking side. We have to make sure our ball is secure, because they bite hard at the breakdown."