A surprise role change for Bulls playmaker Willie le Roux could open an interesting option to consider for the Springboks.
As it stands, 35-year-old Willie le Roux has 98 caps to his name for the Springboks, although his role at international level has shifted somewhat into more of a mentorship and supporting role to the younger generation.
However, Le Roux has shown few signs of slowing down, and recently provided a game-changing impact off the bench as the Bulls claimed a comeback win over the Lions.
The veteran fullback replaced a misfiring Boeta Chamberlain at flyhalf in the second half of the Jukskei derby, and he slotted seamlessly into the role at first receiver, which is quite often where he has actually popped up for the Springboks at times in the past.
With Le Roux expected to remain with the Bulls despite links overseas, there is now talk that he could be set to start at flyhalf when the Pretoria-based side travel to Cape Town to face the Stormers this weekend.
It comes at a time when Johan Goosen is sidelined with a serious injury, and it’s clear that the Bulls believe Le Roux could fill in at 10 on a more permanent basis.
Should Le Roux continue to impress in that role, it may well give the Springbok coaches something to think about, especially at a time when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has battled with a spate of injuries, while Manie Libbok has blown hot and cold on the Test stage.
If Handre Pollard is fit and on form, he remains the most surefire bet to wear the Springboks’ No 10 jersey for most of the big games in 2025, but if Le Roux can suddenly offer some reliable back up on the bench, it does have the ability to further validate a 6-2 substitutes strategy.
Le Roux would probably only be really considered as a viable flyhalf option for the Springboks if there were some injuries to other specialists in this position, but it is an interesting left-field consideration that a maverick like Rassie Erasmus may well be mulling over.
THERE IS A CHANCE THAT WILLIE LE ROUX MAY ONLY PLAY ONE OR TWO MORE SEASONS WITH THE SPRINGBOKS
2025 fixtures
5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
