‘It’s like having a coach on the field’ – High praise for double Rugby World Cup winner at the Bulls

Dylan Coetzee
Willie le Roux with ball in hand on his Bulls debut.

Willie le Roux with ball in hand on his Bulls debut.

Bulls boss Jake White was delighted with the massive impact made by the returning Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks as his team ran away with a monster 53-27 win over Connacht at home.

It was an impressive start to a period of home games across all competitions for the Pretoria outfit and will certainly be a confidence booster.

White called on three World Cup winners against Connacht with Canan Moodie on the bench whilst Marco van Staden and debutant Willie le Roux were straight into the mix. It would be the veteran full-back who would catch the eye with a try and an assist.

Encouraging depth

What’s also impressive is that the Bulls just about fielded a full pack of capped Test internationals – a very encouraging sign in White’s eyes.

“The Springboks being back is unbelievable,” White said. “I was saying to the players before the game, every guy in the forward pack – except for Reinhardt Ludwig, who has captained the SA U20s – had played for South Africa. That’s incredible. It’s a great step for the Bulls.

“Having World Cup winners back and Springboks in your team is something I have been pushing since I got here. The Bulls need to have international players playing for South Africa, because it makes it so much better for the audience and the product.

“As you saw, you don’t just score 50 points against Connacht, I don’t know when last they conceded that many. So there’s a lot of confidence you are going to get out of that.”

Special player

Veteran Le Roux was at his busy best in the blue of the Bulls and could well be a very clever signing in Pretoria. White praised the influence the two-time winner has on the team.

“I can’t believe he gets all the flak that he does. It was the first time he has played for the Bulls, but he looked like he has been here since I started here four years ago,” he said.

“He is very skilful and clever. I am really happy he has come to the Bulls. You can see the impact he has on our wings. It’s like having a coach on the field.

“I have no doubt that as long as he stays healthy, he will make it very difficult to kick him out.”

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Bulls Willie le Roux

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