Willie le Roux is three caps away from becoming a centurion club member.
Accomplishing such a feat would put him at the table with many South African greats like Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, Bryan Habana and teammate Eben Etzebeth, who recently became the highest-capped Springbok in history.
The former flyhalf turned winger and fullback is as versatile as they come, and with a career spanning fourteen years, he’s also one of the most knowledgeable.
That’s why he has Rassie Erasmus’ blessing – his wealth of experience allows him to see the game differently, a valuable trait for any coach.
Aged 35, he’s twice conquered the mountain, winning back-to-back World Cups in the green and gold; now on course to reach a hundred caps, he will go down as one of South Africa’s finest.
The Paul Roos alumni is in the twilight of his career and still seems to be one of the first names on Erasmus’ team sheet, speaking volumes of who he is as a player, and a man.
“He [Le Roux] helps the guys to understand ‘how big the Test match is. How are we going to handle this? How are you going to read that flyhalf? When do you have to cover what space?” the South African coach explains.
The red carpet moment
Such a fine career deserves the red carpet ending, but I don’t think it’s happening in November.
The Springboks have three fixtures between November 10 and November 23, which would be enough for Le Roux to reach his target, but is that how he wants to mark the occasion? In front of 70,000 Welsh fans?
No, he deserves and presumably wants the occasion at home – in front of his family, friends and fans, like Eben Etzebeth’s Mbombela Stadium moment for reaching 128 caps.
Le Roux deserves the royal treatment – a champagne moment.
Not only is he one of the few Springboks who can call themselves a back-to-back world champion, but he’s done it with such poise that he deserves the perfect celebration, which could be the last major milestone he reaches in his career.
Erasmus believes he has ‘another two years’ in the tank, meaning there’s no rush to reach a hundred caps in November, so why not miss a game and get the hundredth at home?
SuperSport’s Chasing the Sun provided a glimpse into Erasmus’ psyche, his compassion for players like Makazole Mapimpi, and his ability to read the room – I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to mark the moment on South African soil knowing that it would feel different at home.
He’s unlikely to start with the form Aphelele Fassi is in, meaning there’s a good chance he doesn’t make it to hundred on November 23 – however the moment unfolds, thanks for the memories, Willie.
What’s your favourite Willie le Roux moment?
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