Willemse, who can play fly-half, centre or full-back, is likely to start in the number 15 jersey against an Italian side that defeated Australia 26-19 last weekend in Udine.
“I’m obviously very happy to have played almost the full international season,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “I missed it last year due to injury, so I’m just grateful to be healthy and fit again. It’s been so good being back with the boys, learning a lot, and just enjoying being part of the setup again.
"(Being versatile) is a super advantage and something the coaches have been moulding into me since I came into the setup in 2018. It’s definitely a role I’ve grown into and chosen to do for the team.
“We’ve got a lot of versatile players who can cover different positions, and that really helps with team selection and our tactical plans each weekend. It plays a massive role in how we play, and it’s a huge benefit for us as a team."
The Springboks will be favourites after they made it two wins from two on tour with an excellent 32-17 win over France in Paris this past weekend, but Willemse says they are taking nothing for granted.
"I think Italy have really built their game, they’re quite an awkward team because they can defend and attack equally well,” he said. “They’ve got some brilliant players who can pull the strings for them, so it’s definitely a big challenge. I think the aerial battle will be massive, and their set-piece is strong too.
“They can take it up front and have a really all-round game. Their wingers aren’t scared to go up for the ball, and defensively they’re very organised.
"It’s going to be a super contest, and they’re definitely going to bring a challenge to us. They’re on a high after their result against Australia, and rightfully so, they’ve been playing very good rugby.
“They’ve got an all-round game, strong set-piece, solid kicking, and big, physical players. It’s going to be a battle across the field, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to."
The match will be played at the home of Juventus, and having missed out on the fixture against Japan at Wembley Stadium in London two weeks ago, football fan Willemse says he will enjoy the occasion if selected.
"I’m a big football fan and an Arsenal supporter, so I think it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere playing at the Juventus Stadium. I’ve never been there before, so it’ll be a first for me and for many of the guys.
“I didn’t get the chance to play at Wembley, so I’m really looking forward to this one. But first, we need to make sure all our detail is right during the week and then hopefully enjoy Saturday."