The air in the Yokohama International Stadium during the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales was thick with a tension that mirrored the divided opinions of a nation.
As Willie le Roux moved the ball, took a high ball, or made a decision, every Springbok fan held their breath.
According to Clinton van der Berg’s Got Game website, for months, and even through the early stages of the tournament, the public outcry had been relentless.
‘Style deemed too risky’
“Willie ‘knock-on’ Le Roux hasn’t belonged on the squad for a very long time now,” echoed comments across social media and punditry, demanding his exclusion due to perceived errors and a style deemed too risky. The anxious murmurs and frustrated groans from the crowd during his less polished moments were almost audible.
Yet, behind the scenes, a different narrative was unfolding. As revealed in Chasing the Sun, which offered rare insight into the Bok machinations, coach Rassie Erasmus unequivocally backed his inscrutable fullback, even revealing to the team that Le Roux was playing through a significant shoulder injury and had humbly offered to step aside.
Erasmus famously countered the external noise by presenting his squad with a video highlighting Le Roux’s crucial, often unseen, off-the-ball contributions: the subtle movements, the decoy runs, the uncredited passes that fractured defences.
This unwavering faith was spectacularly vindicated. As the Springboks ground their way through the semi-final and into the final against England, Le Roux, despite the pain and the immense public pressure, produced ballsy, influential performances.
Proved vital
His experience, calm organisation of the defence, and crucial decision-making proved vital in securing the Webb Ellis Cup.
The initial groans of concern were ultimately eclipsed by roars of relief and celebration as his subtle excellence contributed to the Springboks’ triumphs, validating Erasmus’s trust. His critics were silenced.
This is the essence of Le Roux, the Springboks’ quintessential “Marmite Man”. You either love his audacious brilliance or despair at his perceived mistakes.
As he now prepares to run out for his 100th Test, against Italy this weekend, his journey remains a testament to a unique talent who consistently managed to quiet the noise, stepping into the glaring spotlight of the biggest moments to produce the goods.
Deliver when it counts
He is the unusual architect of Springbok backline magic, a player who endures not just through sheer talent, but through an almost uncanny ability to deliver when it truly counts.
He’s often been described as an “underrated” player, an “architect” of the backline, but also as someone prone to “silly mistakes” or being past his sell-by date.
As he himself has acknowledged, “Half the people like me, the other half don’t. It is what it is.” This love-hate relationship stems from his unique, high-risk, high-reward style. When it works, it’s brilliant, opening up opportunities that few others see. When it doesn’t, it can be costly. Yet, his coaches and teammates consistently back him.
As Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard once noted, “Willie doesn’t get enough credit for the work he does off the ball. So often Willie is fracturing defences with those little cross-kicks or delayed passes.”
For the coaching staff, his value extends far beyond the observable.
Le Roux’s true genius lies in his rugby intellect. He operates as the playmaker of the backline, even when not wearing the flyhalf jersey. His ability to pop up as a second or even first receiver, manipulate defensive lines, and deliver pinpoint passes is unparalleled.
He’s a master of the “triple threat” (running, passing, and kicking) constantly probing for weaknesses. His vision allows him to exploit gaps in the opposition defence, setting up teammates like Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe for tries that often have his unseen influence at their core.
Golden era
The Paul Roos Gymnasium old boy’s greatest feats are deeply intertwined with the Springboks’ recent golden era. He was instrumental in both the recent World Cup victories, even when he offered to step aside the first time.
“Rassie’s response surprised me,” Le Roux chuckled, recalling Erasmus telling him he was “being ridiculous.”
Behind the often-stoic exterior on the field, Le Roux is a deeply emotional player who cares intensely about his performance and, more importantly, his team. If it means barking at teammates and referees, so be it.
His heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former Springbok and Bulls team-mate Cornal Hendricks underscored the profound personal connections forged through rugby.
This milestone of 100 caps is more than just a number; it represents a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of a dream that first took hold during his Stellenbosch childhood.
Reaching his century for the Springboks signifies his enduring commitment and the trust placed in him by multiple coaching regimes since his debut 13 years ago. It’s a staggering testament to his longevity, adaptability, and plain bloody-mindedness.
As he steps onto the field for his 100th Test this weekend, Le Roux will carry not only the hopes of a nation but also the weight of his own remarkable journey; a journey from a small-town talent to a true Springbok centurion, and an enduring symbol of a love for the game that transcends opinion – no matter how divided.
Are you a fan of what Willie le Roux offers the Springboks?
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