It would be a rugby travesty if Willie le Roux were to go down in history as the most underappreciated Springbok Test centurion, writes SIMON BORCHARDT.
The veteran fullback is set to join this exclusive club, either against Italy or Georgia in July, or Australia in August.
Le Roux has copped more than his fair share of criticism from South African rugby fans over the years. And they were at it again after the Bulls’ Vodacom URC final defeat to Leinster, with comments like “Time to retire” and “Willie was Leinster’s Man of the Match” on social media. This despite Le Roux playing a pivotal role in helping the Bulls reach a third final in four seasons.
Look, Le Roux does make mistakes, and sometimes they come at the worst possible time. However, the value he’s added to the Springboks since making his Test debut in 2013 – and to the Bulls since returning from Japan in 2023 – is immeasurable.
Coaches and teammates who have worked with Le Roux consistently praise his contributions.
His vision allows him to exploit gaps in the opposition defence, with his playmaking ability seeing him regularly used at first receiver, even when he’s not wearing the No 10 jersey, as he did for the Bulls last season when Johan Goosen was injured.
His calm organisation of the defence, combined with his ability to know exactly when to come up in the line, and his prowess under the high ball, further illustrate his worth.
Throw in his experience and mentorship role, and it’s no surprise that White fought hard to persuade Le Roux to extend his contract until June 2027 when it seemed he might be heading overseas again.
It’s unlikely that Le Roux makes it to the 2027 World Cup in Australia. He’ll be 38 by then and you’d expect Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse to be competing for the No 15 jersey, with flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu able to slot in there if required.
MORE: Willie on what inspired his Bok U-turn
Le Roux featured in just four of the Boks’ 13 Tests last year, as the in-form Fassi was backed by coach Rassie Erasmus, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he retires from Test rugby at the end of this season.
However, if Le Roux is still firing for the Bulls in 2027, Erasmus may be tempted to take him Down Under as a veteran who can play an important role off the field while still contributing on it – as was the case with Schalk Brits and Deon Fourie in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
Whatever happens, when Le Roux eventually plays his last Test, he deserves the respect and appreciation he has long been denied.
His legacy should be remembered for the immense value he brought to the Boks, not for mistakes made while giving his all.
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Photo: Ross Parker/SNS Group
