Willemse: I’m pleased with my contribute against England

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Editorial Use Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Williams/Action Plus/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (13637575c) Damian Willemse of South Africa is tackled by Tom Curry of England; Twickenham Stadium, London, England: Autumn Series International Rugby England versus South Africa. England v South Africa, Autumn International Series, Rugby, London, UK - 26 Nov 2022

Springbok flyhalf Damian Willemse is pleased with his overall contribution to helping the Springboks secure their first win over England in eight years.

The Springboks scored two tires through wing Kurt-Lee Arendse and lock Eden Etzebeth, while Faf De Klerk kicked over South Africa and fly-half Damian Willemse landing two drop-goals.

Meanwhile, England only scored one try courtesy of Hery Slade, while Owen Farrell kicked the conversion over and the penalty goal.

South Africa went on to earn a deserved 27-13 victory over England at Twickenham in their final Castle Lager Outgoing tour on Saturday evening.

“There are a lot of positives we can take from this tour,” said Willemse.

“In the Ireland game we shot ourselves in the foot. We tried really hard, but we didn’t capitalise on the possession and opportunities we had.

“The match against France was one of those where the bounce of the ball didn’t go our way, but we held on with 13 men at the end. And in Italy everything came together, and it was great to build on that against England.

“We’re obviously very happy with the win. It’s been a bit up and down for us, with the first two results not going our way. But I’m proud of the boys.

“No one complained. Everyone put down their heads and we went to Italy and did the job. We got some confidence out of that because we said as a group, we haven’t won here in eight years, so it was very special for us.”

He added: “It wasn’t planned.

“I just felt that we weren’t getting much momentum as England defended really well in their 22, so I thought I’d take the chance and strike it down the middle. I’m just pleased I could contribute tonight.”

Photo by Tim Williams/Action Plus/Shutterstock/BackpagePix