New angle released of Damian Willemse’s epic try saving tackle against the All Blacks
We are only two rounds into the Rugby Championship this year, but it is unlikely that anyone is going to produce a tackle better than Damian Willemse’s on Caleb Clarke in South Africa’s first Test against the All Blacks in Nelspruit.
The Springboks fullback seemed to defy every law of physics that there is to drag down the All Blacks winger down as he stormed towards the line, particularly a grip that could crush diamonds to hold onto his shirt.
Now a unique view of the tackle has been shared online, which came from a fan in the crowd just metres in front of the action taking place, and it makes the tackle look even better as the 24-year-old leapt throw the air to stop his opponent.
Take a look:
Damian Willemse goes full superman ⚡️
Throwback to THAT insane try-saving tackle 🤯#URC | Via Xander_53_ (IG) 🎥 | @TheStormers | @Springboks pic.twitter.com/DLDMt3iK9w
— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) August 18, 2022
Here was the television view of the tackle:
Willemse has since been selected in the Springboks squad to face Australia next week after impressing in the opening rounds of the Championship.
Springbok touring squad:
Props
Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers)
Vincent Koch (Wasps)
Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers)
Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks)
Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92)
Hookers
Joseph Dweba (DHL Stormers)
Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
Locks
Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks)
Lood de Jager (Wild Knights)
Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers)
Loose forwards
Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)
Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks)
Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls)
Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs)
Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers)
Duane Vermeulen (Ulster)
Utility forwards
Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers)
Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)
Scrumhalves
Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles)
Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks)
Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers)
Cobus Reinach (Montpellier)
Flyhalves
Elton Jantjies (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)
Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
Midfielders
Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks)
Damian de Allende (Wild Knights)
Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins)
Outside backs
Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks)
Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz)
Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls)
Warrick Gelant (Racing 92)
Utility Backs
Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)
Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs)
