Springboks fullback Willie le Roux goes over and celebrates his try. Photo: www.Photosport.nz 2018
Springboks fullback Willie le Roux goes over and celebrates his try. Photo: www.Photosport.nz 2018
As fans, our hearts were jack-hammering out of our chests. But there was one person hoping that South Africa would cling on more than anyone else. As Rugby Pass report, fullback Willie le Roux has admitted he went through the mill after a late infringement saw him sin-binned from the 65th minute.
As nerves were shredded all across the southern hemisphere on Saturday morning, the Springboks managed to pull off a famous victory in New Zealand.
Following a cynical ruck infringement close to his own line, ref Nigel Owens brandished the yellow card – a moment le Roux admits weighed heavy on his mind.
“I was thinking ‘am I letting my team down now? If they score now or we lose it’s going to be on me because I got a yellow’.”
Willie le Roux “owes the guys a beer”
However, despite some intense pressure late on – and some questionable decision making – Rassie Erasmus’ men got over the finish line, to break a nine-year unbeaten home record for the hosts. Le Roux, who was back on for the last five minutes, admits he now owes his teammates some beers for bailing him out.
“The All Blacks, when they switch on and you lose your concentration for one second, that’s when they capitalise. That’s why they’re so dangerous so you can’t give them any space or any opportunities. But luckily it didn’t work out like that and I owe the guys a beer.”
That’ll be 22 pints and whatever you’re having then, Willie. Oh, and something for Rassie and the coaching staff. You know what. Just leave your card behind the bar, it’ll be a lot easier that way.
Springboks star happy to “restore some pride”
Despite his own self-admonishment, Willie le Roux actually played well for most of the game and was integral to two of the Springboks’ five tries. He sent Aphiwe Dyanti away for his first of the night before the full-back crossed the whitewash himself.
The 29-year-old also spoke about the faith they had invested in themselves before Saturday’s epic clash. He revealed that their main objective was to restore some pride in the jersey. Mission accomplished…
“There have been quite a few good performances before, but all week we have been saying it was for us; us 23 playing, the management, all the guys travelling with us and training with us. It’s just about putting pride back in the jersey and making the people back home proud.”
