Superb Willemse reflects on Twickenham drop goals: 'It was instinct'

In London

Springbok flyhalf Damian Willemse said instinct took over when he went for the drop goals in their 27-13 win against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Willemse, who started in his fourth consecutive Test at flyhalf, split the uprights with two drop goals in each half to keep the pressure on England.

The six points he gained from those opportunities were just an aperitif to an excellent game he had at pivot for the Boks.

Willemse, who came into the tour as the third-choice selection at No 10 due to an injury to Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies' absence for personal reasons, upped his street cred in the position.

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Where he plays when Pollard is fit will make for an interesting selection headache, especially with Willie le Roux having a marvellous return to form on the tour.

Willemse said he practised a few drop goals during the week, but instinct took over during the game.

"It was going through my mind because I think before that, England was defending pretty well," Willemse said.

"It was one of those moments where I dropped back in the pocket and got the three points. I was really happy with how I struck the ball.

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"I'm really happy that I could contribute and help the team get over the line. We did do a bit of training in the week, but, at the moment, it was instinct."

Willemse's growth at flyhalf through the tour mirrored the Boks' gradual development from Dublin through to London.

There was an unsure and panicked nature to his play that stemmed from his goal kicking in the 19-16 loss against Ireland on 5 November that filtered down the team.

When he was freed from