Veteran fullback Willie le Roux ruled himself out of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Cape Town on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The 35-year-old withdrew on Friday due to a groin niggle, handing Aphelele Fassi his second successive start at No 15.
It came after coach Rassie Erasmus had initially made 10 changes to the starting XV following last week’s 38-22 defeat to Australia at Ellis Park, which saw the Boks blow a 22-0 lead and drop from No 1 to No 3 in the world rankings.
Springbok captain Jesse Kriel said the late change was disappointing, but backed Fassi to step up.
“It’s unfortunate that Willie picked up a niggle this week in training. But he’s been working so closely with Fassi, and we all know how talented Fassi is, so I’m confident he’ll do a great job.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing for Willie, I know how much he wanted to play in Cape Town with his family here. But I have no doubt Fassi will step up, like he has over the last few years.”
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Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick revealed it was Le Roux’s call to withdraw.
“I must give credit to Willie for being honest with us. He didn’t feel 100% comfortable to go full out for 80 minutes, and with a 6-2 bench split it would have been a big risk. That shows the character of who he is and how much he respects the team.
“It’s a big loss – Willie is a very experienced player and it would have been nice to see him on the field – but Fassi has what it takes to do the job for us.
“He played last week, so there’s continuity, and he knows exactly how we want to operate. With experienced players around him like Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse, Canan Moodie, and Handré Pollard at 10, that will help.”
The Boks head into Saturday’s clash under pressure to perform after last week’s defeat, with two Tests in New Zealand still to come.
“We definitely know what we didn’t get right last weekend and we’ve rectified that as a team,” Kriel said. “It was great to get back on the training pitch on Monday, to align and get our plan ready.
“The great thing about this sport is you get another chance. Luckily, we’ve got that chance tomorrow.”
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Stick said the Boks aimed to tighten up their game management having “overplayed” in the first half against the Wallabies at Ellis Park.
“We had about 15 entries into their 22 and only capitalised on three. At this level, if you don’t take your chances, you’ll be punished. Hopefully this week we can put together a full 80-minute performance.
“The plan doesn’t change much, but game management is critical. Having guys like Pollard and Damian de Allende back brings a lot of experience. We’ve also got a strong bench to give us impact in the second half.”
The #Springboks team to face Australia in Cape Town tomorrow ??#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/WjKL6gL6K5
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Stick admitted last week’s loss had hurt.
“Straight after the game it felt like a funeral at Ellis Park – the people were heartbroken. We always say we play for the people of South Africa, and we could feel their disappointment.
“Landing in Cape Town, you could see the sad faces around. We’ll do everything in our power to put smiles back on their faces.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
