OPINION: The masterclass against the Ospreys served as a timely reminder of why Willie le Roux remains an asset to the Springboks whether he starts at fullback or not.
I recently had the chance to chat with Aphelele Fassi about his sparkling performances for South Africa in the Rugby Championship.
Fassi has come a long way since he was last involved with the Springboks back in 2022.
Anyone who watched the recent Tests would have noted the fullback’s improvements on defence and under the high ball.
Fassi thanked various coaches for their input and made a special mention of Willie le Roux.
Over the past few months, Fassi has drawn on the 97-Test veteran’s experience in an attempt to become a better communicator and leader at fullback – one of the most important positions within the Bok system.
It’s tempting to believe that Le Roux has already made the transition from player to coach and that his best playing days are behind him.
But after watching the master in action against the Ospreys this past weekend, it’s easy to see why Rassie Erasmus and others feel that Le Roux has more to give on the Test stage.
The cross-kick that set up a try for Kurt-Lee Arendse in the left-hand corner was a testament to Le Roux’s vision and execution.
Even at the age of 35, he still has the speed and the skill to create opportunities for his teammates.
There will come a time – in the not-too-distant future – when he officially surrenders his crown.
But for now, Le Roux remains the ‘Assist King’.
It’s a sentiment that most in the South African squad – Fassi and Willemse included – will readily echo.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how Erasmus will juggle his outside backs on the three-Test tour to the United Kingdom this November.
Le Roux will add value to the squad set-up, whether he starts, plays from the bench, or serves as another backline coach during training sessions.
But even at the age of 35, players need game time to stay sharp.
(Article continues below Jake Whitew’s take on Willie le Roux …)
The fact of the matter is that Le Roux has played four Tests this season, and his game time has been further limited due to injuries.
Damian Willemse is another who needs a run, after missing the July Tests and subsequent Rugby Championship.
While he hasn’t been at his best for the Stormers in the early stages of the United Rugby Championship – playing at flyhalf – Erasmus and company will want the double World Cup-winner back with the Boks sooner rather than later.
Will the Bok coach take all three players on tour this November, and what would a limited stint in the No 15 jersey mean for each player?
Le Roux has played a greater role behind the scenes this season, and could add more value to the squad environment on a challenging tour to the northern hemisphere.
That said, he may only receive one or two opportunities to add to his 97-Test tally, and will probably have to wait until 2025 to reach the 100-mark.
Erasmus rotated his starting side throughout the Rugby Championship in an effort to bolster the Boks’ depth, and may continue to chop and change this November.
It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the coach using two or even three different players at No.15.
Fassi will be desperate for a chance to build on his strong performances in the Rugby Championship.
In a recent interview with RugbyPass+, the fullback noted the tactical challenge of playing in the Northern Hemisphere and said that he was looking forward to proving himself in wet and windy conditions.
Before his injury, Willemse was one of the Boks’ go-to players, starting all the big games at the 2023 World Cup.
Fast forward to the present, where the competition for places is fiercer than ever, and Willemse will also have a point to prove should he get the chance.
His ability to cover flyhalf, centre and fullback will be an asset of a tour of this nature, and he may even be handed a utility role from the bench.
Getting that No.15 jersey back, and reestablishing himself as the first-choice fullback will be easier said than done.
These are merely the frontline options.
Cheslin Kolbe started at No.15 against Ireland back in 2022, while Manie Libbok also provided fullback cover on that tour to Europe.
Quan Horn impressed in his Test debut against Portugal earlier this season and has carried that form through to the Currie Cup and URC.
Jordan Hendrikse has filled in at No.15 for the Sharks in the absence of Fassi – and has shown what he can offer in terms of a goal-kicking option from the back.
Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu made his debut against Wales, replacing Hendrikse at flyhalf in the second half of the match at Twickenham.
In the second Test against Ireland, however, he stepped up at fullback after Le Roux left the field in the early stages.
Like Hendrikse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu offers a strong goal-kicking option. It remains to be seen when he will return after undergoing surgery for a serious knee injury.
Erasmus has a tough job selecting the right group of players for this tour and juggling his resources across three Tests against Scotland, England and Wales.
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