Latest news with #WillieleRoux
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
'Amazing,' says Willie le Roux about 100th Test for Boks
Willie le Roux is now the eighth Springbok centurion, and will likely slip behind Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi in the fullback pecking order. Springbok centurion Willie le Roux runs onto the field before the start of their match against Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday night. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images Saturday was a special day for Springboks stalwart Willie le Roux and the city of Gqeberha as the Boks turned on the style to whitewash Italy 45-0 in their second Test of the incoming series at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. For Le Roux it was his landmark 100th appearance for the national team, and although he produced a mixed bag, with a few mistakes coupled with some moments of brilliance, including a chipped try assist, it was the perfect way to celebrate with a big result. It will now be interesting to see what the Boks' plans are for 35-year-old Le Roux, who is the eighth Springbok centurion, as he has arguably been passed in the fullback pecking order by Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi. Springbok dream 'I said it earlier in the week, that it was my dream to play for the Springboks since I was six years old. I wanted to play rugby, I wanted to make it work, even if I had to go a different route,' said Le Roux after the match. 'So just to be here today with my wife and my family, to celebrate this milestone of my 100th cap in South Africa was amazing. My phone has never, even with the two World Cup (wins) combined, been as busy as this week. 'It is quite emotional and to just try and keep away from all that (was tough). There was a job to do first, so it was quite hard to try and balance that emotion and not do something stupid at the start (of the match), because you want to show something. 'When I ran out on my own it was very emotional and I didn't know what to do with myself. I was just waiting for the team to come out. So it was very special and I am thankful for it.' For Gqeberha it was a fantastic night with the Springboks finally back in the city in all their splendour, and a full house of boisterous fans were on hand to cheer their team from the first whistle to the last, as they produced a terrific atmosphere. It was the first game in the city since 2021, when they played Argentina in the Rugby Championship behind closed doors due to Covid, and the first in front of fans, when they played Australia, also in the Rugby Championship. Eastern Cape locals A number of members in the Springboks squad are from the region, including coach Rassie Erasmus, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, regular captain Siya Kolisi and wing Makazole Mapimpi, so it was a special homecoming for them as well. 'It was really nice (to be here). As I have said before different stadiums have different vibes. Bloemfontein, Mbombela and PE (Gqeberha) all have a special vibe in the sense that while you warm up the whole crowd is in already,' said Erasmus. 'In other stadiums, only after the warmup and just as the Test is going to begin does everyone come in. So you already feel the support from the warmup. That's not to say other stadiums are not supportive, they all have different atmospheres that carry us through the game. 'But this was a loud crowd, even during a few of our difficult spells, they were lifting us and we all enjoyed it. As for (those of) us that come from here, it was extra special. You could see Stokke (Stick), was a bit emotional, as well as Mapimpi and myself. 'It's a place where we would love rugby to thrive, because it is where we started our rugby journeys, and were taught the ropes. This crowd misses the Springboks and international rugby and they showed that through their support. Even with Willie who isn't from here, they loved and supported him. So it was baie lekker.'
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Emotional Willie le Roux celebrates his 100th Test match with a stunning victory over Italy
Springbok veteran Willie le Roux and his wife Holly celebrates his 100th Test match in Gqeberha on Saturday evening. Image: BackpagePix Willie le Roux was so nervous ahead of his 100th Test that he wanted the Springboks to run out shortly after he took to the field solo on Saturday against Italy. The world champions won 45-0 in Gqeberha's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to seal the two-Test series emphatically. Le Roux (35) ran out first in front of about 44 000 supporters, but said he was quite nervous and didn't really know what to do as the thousands of people welcomed him with a loud cheer. 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐒 A special day for a special player 🥹🇿🇦 📺 Stream #RSAvITA on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 12, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The double World Cup winner said his phone has never been this busy as it has been in the week leading up to the Test and his milestone. 'It was emotional to run out and I didn't know what to do with myself and I was just waiting for the team to come out,' the veteran said, on his achievement. 'My phone hasn't been this busy like it was this past week. The combined messages I received during the two World Cup victories weren't even this much. It was quite emotional to cut off those (the messages) because we had a job to do first (to win). 'However, it was difficult to balance that emotion with not wanting to do something stupid because you want to show something.' Le Roux, dubbed the assist king in South African rugby, showed exactly why he is called that when he put in a neat little kick through in the first half for winger Edwill van der Merwe to chase. It was a calculated one that Italy failed to field on the ground and Van der Merwe kicked it forward to score one of his two tries. Was it not for a slight forward pass, Le Roux would've put the speedy winger in for a hat-trick, but the referee called them back as Van der Merwe dotted down in the corner. Me and my dad at the springbok capping 👌👏👌 — Willie le roux (@wjjleroux) June 9, 2013 The Strand native said he's always had the support of his family, and he was happy they could share in his milestone. His dad was there for his debut back in 2013, but on Saturday, both his parents and his wife joined in the celebrations. 'Since I can remember, wherever I played, my dad was there. I thought he didn't work because he was at every game and never missed one. He always made a plan. To have him here, as well as my mother and wife, makes it very special. There are about 35 Strand Honne (friends of Le Roux) who were here too. 'There were some tough times, but I could always count on their support through the highs and lows.'
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Five takeaways as Springboks showcase their brilliance in 45-0 victory over Italy
Centurion Willie le Roux had a try assist and were crucial in quite a few attacking Springbok moves against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday. Image: BackpagePix The Springboks produced a near-perfect performance in the second Test against Italy on Saturday in Gqeberha. There were innovative and smart plays to feast on as the home side romped to a 45-0 victory. Despite making plenty of changes, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus's faith in the untested combinations paid off. He would've gotten a lot of answers over certain players in the side after the double Tests. We look at five key points from the match. The Springboks are having fun out there! #RSAvITA — Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 12, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Boks are rugby's trendsetters Doc Erasmus really took innovation to another level with a short kick-off to force a scrum, and two rolling mauls manufactured in open play that led to tries. Of course, the bomb squad is his brainchild, but this took innovation to the next level, especially at a Test level. The maul was done by a school team in Stellenbosch; the kick-off was just something they thought of doing because Italy took their scrum weapon away last week at Loftus with quick scrums. So, they had a plan with these strange plays, and it paid off in a way. The Malmesbury missile is fit and firing While the attention was on the innovation and attack of the Springboks, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit had a comeback of note. After last playing for the Boks in 2024's Year-end tour, the bruiser showed no signs of the shoulder injury that kept him out of the club rugby season. He quietly went about his business putting his shoulders into tackles and carrying the ball with almost no regard for his body. He looked sharp and will gradually keep building ahead of the Rugby Championship and those double Tests against the All Blacks. Pieter-Steph du Toit comes back after a lengthy injury and plays a full 80 like it's nothing. Generational player. — Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) July 13, 2025 The newbies are ready for more Test matches The Springbok newcomers fitted in well with the squad over the past three matches and some of them will have one more opportunity against Georgia this coming weekend. But the South African coaches will be more than delighted with how these players have taken to rugby at the highest level. Three players in Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ethan Hooker, and Cobus Wiese made their debut, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Edwill van der Merwe added valuable caps. They all showed that they could make the step up to Test matches, alongside Vincent Tshituka who played in the first Test. Fringe players took their chances For several of the fringe players, like André Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie, Manie Libbok, and Makazole Mapimpi it was an outstanding opportunity to showcase their strengths and how they won't disappoint the Boks when called upon. They maintain the intensity of the regular guys and sometimes even do better. So, it leaves the Boks with plenty of healthy selection options that the rest of the world will be envious of. If they can maintain this ecosystem, it could be another top international season for the world champions. Just looked at it again, Jasper Wiese on your Bro's big day you've done something really dumb. No upside to it. — Rágnár Ván Töndérsön (@Slipcatch) July 13, 2025 A defensive masterclass despite the red card Despite the red card to Jasper Wiese and playing with 14 men for a large part of the game, the defensive organisation by the Boks and the execution of their tackles were excellent. Wiese, who must answer for his mishap, needs to thank his teammates for their efforts. Every single player put their body on the line to ensure Italy left Gqeberha with no points. A couple of times Italy managed to get on the outside with a man, but the Boks' scramble defence saved them. They were determined to keep the Italians scoreless and defended with heart, thwarting every onslaught that came their way.
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Grant Williams on the ‘stolen' Willie le Roux try and return to green and gold
Williams admitted he missed the chance to give Willie le Roux a try on the fullback's 100th Test match. Grant Williams scores in his first match in three months, while Willie le Roux (right) missed out. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images Scrumhalf Grant Williams admitted to feeling nervous in the build-up to his return from injury for the second Springbok–Italy Test, which ended 45–0 to the South Africans. But once back on the field, he was thrilled to be playing again — even if he missed the moment to set up a try for Willie le Roux on his 100th Test — and said he's excited about what the rest of the season holds. Williams last played almost three months ago, when the Sharks travelled to Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on 18 April. An ongoing neck injury kept him out of the next three URC pool games, the quarter-final and semi-final. He missed the Boks' first game of the season, a friendly against the invitational side Barbarians in June, before the first Test against Italy at the beginning of the month, which the Springboks won 42–24. Williams 'took' Willie le Roux's try He finally returned to action in the second Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, and for the most part didn't look as nervous as he admitted he was afterwards, being quick on the feed and finishing off a great team try which came from an Edwill van der Merwe line break and Makazole Mapimpi link-up. It was the first try of the day and Le Roux was there at Williams' side to finish the score if he was tackled, or perhaps graciously receive the ball to record a score in his milestone match. 'It was actually Willie's try that I took,' Williams said afterwards. Still, he said he felt calmer after scoring. 'I hadn't played in three months. It was frustrating this week, the amount of nerves and having to play in a Springbok jersey [first].' Nervy scrumhalf happy to be back, link up with Libbok The number nine said he would have preferred to have played for the Sharks in domestic rugby, and it had been daunting to return to the highest level after such a long injury lay-off. 'But happy to get the win and just happy to play again. A bit of rust but looking forward to the next couple of weeks.' Williams said it was especially enjoyable linking up with flyhalf Manie Libbok as the halfback pair. While Libbok missed his first two kicks at posts, he commanded the backline well and created opportunities in open play. He also slotted the next five conversions. 'The plan was to try certain things and it worked. It is always special to play with Manie, we have a good relationship. But it doesn't matter who plays next to me,' Williams said, explaining that he enjoyed playing with the other flyhalves in the team as well.
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
How the Springboks' rolling maul tactics secured a 45-0 win against Italy
Centurion Willie le Roux had some neat touches against Italy on Saturday and with this kick set up the try for winger Edwill van der Merwe. Image: BackpagePix The Springboks copied that open play rolling maul tactic from Paul Roos Gimnasium's under-14 B side, and on Saturday against Italy, it paid off twice with tries. South Africa scored seven five-pointers in the 45-0 victory and redeemed themselves after a lacklustre performance at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, to clinch the two-Test series 2-0. On Saturday afternoon in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, there were no signs of the Boks allowing the Italians into the game as they took control from the start to the final whistle. It paved the way for an exciting match as the world champions celebrated the 100th cap of Willie le Roux in style. Canan Moodie busts through Italy's defence 💣💣 Watch the Springboks live on #SSRugby (Ch.211) and SS Grandstand (Ch.201) in three language options 🎙️🏉 📺 Stream #RSAvITA on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 12, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Despite a red card to eighth man Jasper Wiese and playing with 14 men for most of the contest and even 13 players for 10 minutes after a yellow card, the Boks totally outplayed their opponents. Some tactical innovations caught the Europeans unawares, especially the two mauls in open play. 'It worked twice for us (leading to tries), but people saw it, so it will be done for the next couple of games,' Erasmus said about the innovation. 'A lot of teams do different tactical moves, and we just did a rolling maul in general play, where we lift a guy. We actually saw it done by a school side, Paul Roos, where Willie was. With the maul in open play, you get all the benefits like in a lineout maul when you support the player jumping.' The Springboks are having fun out there! #RSAvITA — Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 12, 2025 Those manufactured mauls led to tries for Canan Moodie in the first half and hooker Malcolm Marx in the second forty. Erasmus also elaborated on the short kick-off in the first half. He said they are always cooking up plans and people sometimes only see those that pay off. The short kick, which led to an early scrum, would've been a perfect platform for the Boks if they could shove Italy back. Unfortunately, they conceded a short-arm free kick for an early engagement. That meant the short kick-off plan flopped. 'Manie made a mistake at kick-off,' Erasmus joked at first. They actually did it. I heard last night that the #Springboks were going to kick off short and have a first scrum. Madness #RSAvITA — Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) July 12, 2025 'We wanted to get into the contest with the scrum early on. We found that they played a lot of channel-one (quick scrums) balls last week to get it out of the scrum. We make a lot of plans that don't work, and people don't know it normally. But that is an example of something that didn't work out.' On the red card Wiese copped after only 20 minutes of play, Erasmus didn't want to say much about. He stated, though, that Wiese will receive all the support from the team. he eighth man missed the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Cobus, who was one of three debutants on the day. 'I'm not able to say it was wrong or right or how bad it was. It is said because he is not a guy who goes out to do that. He is very committed and passionate about the team.'
