Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has provided some clarity on whether veteran Willie le Roux will reach a hundred caps.
Springbok great Willie le Roux is on the cusp of becoming a centurion, which would solidify his world-class status.
Times have changed for the double World Cup winner; Aphelele Fassi has become Rassie Erasmus’ chosen disciple at the fullback position, shifting le Roux’s role from player to mentor. The Blue Bulls veteran is two appearances from reaching a hundred
When asked whether le Roux will reach the coveted milestone in 2025, Erasmus was vaguely sure he would, saying, “When Eben played his [128th] Test, we wanted to play that game in South Africa when he broke the [Springbok] record.
“We want to start a player when it’s his 100th game.
“We would’ve loved to give Willie [le Roux] his 100th Test last year, but [Aphelele] Fassi was just playing so well. So, we don’t want to give away freebies. He is two games away.
“Sacha [Feinburg-Mngomezulu] and Damian [Willemse] haven’t played for a while [Aphelele] Fassi and Manie [Libbok] is currently injured. Jordan [Hendrikse] and Siya Masuku is coming through, and Cheslin [Kolbe] can play fullback.
“We will never put a player’s personal interest above the team. But Willie deserves to get to 100 games. We’re playing 15 matches with 14 being Tests, so hopefully he’ll get his 100th [Test] this year.”
2025 schedule
5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
6 September: vs New Zealand, Aucklan
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, Tu
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
