The Stormers were in fine form during their Champions Cup round of 16 clash with Harlequins, with fullback Damian Willemse finishing off a stunning try.
With over 40 000 fans packing into Cape Town Stadium to watch the United Rugby Championship holders battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, the home side entertained.
What a finish!
Stormers‘ flyhalf Manie Libbok sent a cross-kick in Seabelo Senatla’s direction, and the winger superbly caught the ball on the bounce.
He had Nick David closing in on him and timed his pass to Willemse to perfection.
Willemse fended off the attempted tackle from Quins winger Joe Marchant before producing an acrobatic finish in the corner.
“A piece of magic from Damian Willemse,” commentator Ugo Moyne said of the score.
⛈️ Epic try from Damian Willemse! #HeinekenChampionsCup #STOvHARpic.twitter.com/pHHamkKDVE
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 1, 2023
Moyne added later, “That is one of the best finishes in Europe you will see all year.”
WOW!!
DAMIAN WILLEMSE!!#STOvHAR pic.twitter.com/L0M89L9yIp
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 1, 2023
Twitter reaction
“THAT IS STUNNING. Damian Willemse displaying world-class finishing”, BT Sport tweeted with a clip of the try.
Jon Cardinelli added, “Epic finish by Willemse. big moment in what’s been a tight game so far.”
Willemse earned plaudits from the English media as well, with Will Kelleher tweeting: “The news from Cape Town is that Damian Willemse is amazing.”
The news from Cape Town is that Damian Willemse is amazing. #Stormers #Harlequins #ChampionsCup
— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) April 1, 2023
The South African fans were impressed too.
“Dear god that is an unbelievable finish. That is next level sensational by Willemse. No wonder the celebrations.” tweeted AP Cronje
“My goodness DAMIAN WILLEMSE. Senatla with a fabulous assist!” Supersport presenter Motshidisi E. Mohono added.
My goodness DAMIAN WILLEMSE 🔥
Senatla with a fabulous assist!Click Here: Wojciech Szczesny Jersey Sale
— Motshidisi E. Mohono (@MotshidisiM) April 1, 2023
Some were just mind-blown by the passage of play.
“oh. my. days. Senatla how did he get the ball away so quick?! then Willemse doing Willemse things to finish . best athlete in SA rugby. a gem and Libbok got ball on a string.. clearly seen issue with Quine narrow D and punishing them for it” tweeted Oom Rugby.