Western Province coach John Dobson says Damian Willemse looks fit as he prepares for his comeback from injury against Griquas on Friday.

Willemse has been out since June after suffering a knee injury in a Super Rugby encounter with the Lions.

The 21-year-old utility back has been named on the bench for Western Province in their clash with Griquas, an opportunity for Willemse to make a late claim for a place in the Springboks’ World Cup squad.

Dobson says Willemse has looked ready for action despite only being able to train with the team this week.

‘It was his first week training with the team,’ Dobson said. ‘We would have liked to have trained him last week. He has looked really sharp.’

Dobson added that with SP Marais at fullback and Edwill van der Merwe covering the back three on the bench, Willemse will likely be utilised as a flyhalf on Friday.

‘We will probably look at him as a 10, this week. We have Edwill on the bench and I don’t see SP coming off. But I think from the Springbok context, they just want him to get on the field and take some contact. I don’t think they will be too bothered where he plays.’

Western Province currently sit fourth on the Currie Cup log, three points below table-topping Griquas, who have lost just one of their four encounters this season.

Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images