The Stormers continue their push for a playoff spot as they take on the team from Newport, Wales — and the match will carry extra significance for the two stalwarts of the union.

Still only 26, Willemse is poised to earn his 100th cap for the Stormers — a feat he might have reached earlier in the season, had it not been for injury.

Damian Willemse - Stormers

It’s remarkable to consider that the dynamic playmaker has already achieved what most players only dream of — and he still has plenty of rugby ahead of him, assuming he remains injury-free.

Willemse joined the Stormers straight out of school after matriculating from Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, and he hasn’t looked back since.

He expressed his appreciation for the coaches who backed him early on and trusted him with key responsibilities in big matches from a young age.

“Yeah, look, obviously it’s amazing and a special occasion for me to bring up the 100th,” said Willemse. “Coming in at 18, fresh out of matric, and three months later getting the chance to make my debut — that was huge.

“I’ve got to thank Robbie Fleck, who was the Super Rugby coach at the time, and Paul Feeney, who helped guide me in my early development. Then I worked with coach Dawie Snyman and coach Dobbo (John Dobson), who gave me a shot against the Sharks in Durban at fullback.

“I’ll never forget that — it was a must-win game away from home, and they trusted me with that responsibility. Every opportunity since then has helped shape me into the player I am today — especially being trusted to take on big roles, like in the final.

Brok Harris - X

“I’m also grateful to the players and the staff here — they’ve helped mould me not only on the field but off it too. Whether it’s calling me out if I’m not working hard enough or reminding me to stay grounded, we’ve got the right people here.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Union, and as I said, it’s a special moment to earn my 100th cap.”

In addition to his 99 Stormers appearances, Willemse has also represented the Springboks 40 times, starting in 24 Tests.

Saturday’s game will also mark the final appearance of 40-year-old Harris — fittingly, against the very team he represented for seven years. The veteran front-rower is the Stormers’ most-capped player of all time, currently on 149 caps, and has also played 120 matches for Western Province. During his time abroad, he turned out 143 times for the Dragons before returning to Cape Town.

Kick-off at Cape Town Stadium is scheduled for 18:15 on Saturday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport