Willie le Roux earns shock Test recall but with a twist as Springboks’ evolution continues
Springboks full-back Willie le Roux is back with the Test side, but it comes with a twist...
The Springboks have recalled Test centurion Willie le Roux into their wider training squad for their upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.
His return to the squad comes following a tournament-ending injury to fellow full-back Aphelele Fassi, who has undergone ankle surgery.
Le Roux, 36, has already featured for the Boks during their title defence, starting at full-back in their defeat at Eden Park, but was later axed from the 33-man training squad for the upcoming Tests v Argentina.
‘We feel it will benefit us’
“Willie is a member of our wider squad, and we feel it will benefit us to have him train with us early in the week,” Boks head coach Rassie Erasmus said on Le Roux’s recall.
“We try to train the way we play, and by having him in camp it will allow us to improve the quality of our training sessions ahead of this vital match.
“Every point will count in the next two games if we want to win the competition, so it’s essential that we get the most out of our training time to be as sharp as possible when we take the field.”
While Le Roux is back in camp, he will return to the Bulls ahead of their URC opener against the Ospreys.
It therefore suggests that South Africa are looking to ease out some of the older players as they look towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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“I’d like to thank Johan Ackermann and the Vodacom Bulls for releasing him to train with us,” Erasmus added. “We wish them and the other South African teams the best of luck for the opening round of the Vodacom URC.”
The Springboks have already assembled in Durban ahead of the clash with Los Pumas, and will now begin to ramp up their preparations in an effort to land a second successive Rugby Championship title.
Erasmus’ side sit second in the table heading into next weekend’s Test, but could go top heading into the final round should current leaders Australia lose and they better any potential All Black winning margin, too.
