Willie Le Roux’s Springbok flyhalf training role explained 

The first Springbok 23-man match day squad is set to be named this afternoon, and it may not come without it’s surprises. 

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The Springboks continue to gear up for their first Test match of the 2022 international season against Wales, at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

First time Springboks will play in front of home crowd as champions

The occasion at Loftus will also mark the first time the Springboks will be playing in front of a home crowd since becoming World Champions in 2019. It is also the first time they will be playing in front of a sold out home crowd in almost four years. Since claiming the much coveted Webb Ellis trophy, SA Rugby took the decision to pull the national team out of the 2020 international season. They then returned in 2021 through a curtailed home series against Georgia, before taking on the British and Irish Lions.

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A lot has changed since then, including the enforced Covid-19 regulations and restricts. Similarly, last week it was suggested that a possible change could be made within the Springbok playing set up as well. This was after reports had emerged that experienced full back Willie le Roux was seen playing as a back up flyhalf during team training. The squad currently only has two specialist fly halves in Handre Pollard, who was away at the time, as well as Elton Jantjies. Stormers utility-back Damian Willemse is another option in the pivot, should coach Jacques Nienaber be plagued with injuries in that particular position. 

Different role for le Roux vs Wales?

It was then a surprise to hear of le Roux shadowing that particular role. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first Wales Test, Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids, moved to clarify the situation. 

Explanation given

“I think he trained there because we were quite low in numbers in terms of our conditioning camp, but as a 15 at times you always the guy who comes in as a first receiver as the game develops into general attack.” He said. 

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With the United Rugby Championship final contingent joining the camp as well as Pollard’s arrival,  le Roux may no longer be required to train at flyhalf, as there will be at least two more options that can fulfil that role during training.