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Damian Willemse's running game sets him apart from his South African peers

Damian Willemse of the Stormers heads for the tryline during a Super Rugby game against the Sunwolves. Ryan Wilkisky/Backpagepix

Damian Willemse has received a lot of praise and plaudits for his fine showing in the No 10 jersey for the Stormers over the last couple of weeks.

KweséESPN looks at four reasons why Willemse is so highly regarded by rugby pundits all around the world.

His running ability sets him apart from his peers

There has been a lot of calls for Willemse to play fullback where he will have more space to showcase his wonderful running skills. But he actually seems to be more of threat with ball in hand in the face of the opposition.

His stepping ability helps the Stormers flyhalf beat defenders at close quarters, and he has already scored a few great tries at Super Rugby and Currie Cup level by gliding past defenders.

Willemse is also strong on his feet, and has quite a bit of size for such a nimble-footed player. He also possesses good speed, which will always put defenders on the back foot.

He is a brave kid who doesn't take a step back

Willemse has big heart and is a player not too afraid to take contact or make a big tackle on an opposition forward. He stands his ground in the flyhalf channel and even tackled one of the Blues' props back in their recent Super Rugby clash.

While the lad possesses great feet, he also knows when it's time to put his head down and go the direct route.

Willemse is possibly better at keeping possession when going into contact than most of his peers currently playing Super Rugby in South Africa. Only Bulls flyhalf Handré Pollard is harder to stop close to the goalline.

He actually has a big boot, and his goalkicking is coming along nicely

Willemse's kicking wasn't quite up to scratch last year, but it's something he has worked very hard on and something that has come to the fore over the last few weeks.

Willemse put on a top kicking display against the Blues, releasing the pressure on the Stormers with raking touch-finders and putting the Blues under pressure with his tactical kicking.

He also came out of the match with a 100-percent goalkicking performance, which will give him a lot of confidence going forward. His goalkicking is definitely not his strength as a player, but it seems to be improving with each passing match.

He has the self-belief to make those big decisions

Two years ago Willemse was still sitting on the school benches of Paul Roos, but over the last two weeks against the Highlanders and the Blues he could be one of the bolters in Rassie Erasmus' Springbok team to face England in June.

The 19-year-old Willemse looks extremely comfortable at this level, and is showing great maturity to perform in such an important position against quality opposition.

Yes, he doesn't always get it right on the park, but that's only because he is still a teenager. With a lot more investment his rugby, he could become a wonderful international player.