Le Roux in line for hard time
SPRINGBOK fullback Willie le Roux is expecting a barrage of contestable kicks from Samoa when the sides clash in a Rugby World Cup match becoming more tense by the day.
Samoa go into the Pool B match at Villa Park tomorrow two standings points ahead after South Africa suffered a shock 34-32 loss to Japan while the islanders beat the USA 25-16 in their opener.
As a result, the Springboks have their backs firmly against the wall and face an ignominious pool stage exit if they lose to Samoa for the first time in history.
And after last week’s debacle against a brilliantly organised and passionate Japan, and another first defeat against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, nothing can be discounted anymore.
The Boks have lost their way and now have to find form against one of the most brutally physical sides in the world.
Le Roux, a mercurial talent, has been tasked with adding some spark from the back.
But he will be tested physically. It’s a challenge the mazy runner is happy to accept.
“They have big runners and could take it up through the middle but flyhalf Tusi Pisi has a great kicking game as well, so I’m expecting a high-ball catching battle,” Le Roux said.
“I’m prepared for anything they can throw at me.”
Le Roux missed the Japan game. Now it’s all about Samoa.
“Being back on the pitch is where I want to be,” Le Roux said.
“I don’t believe that last week’s result against Japan will change what we want to achieve, but we have to be a lot better and more disciplined than we were.
“We can’t look in the past – it’s all about the future and right now all we are focusing on is winning this weekend’s game.”
Samoa fullback Tim NanaiWilliams, a long-time Chiefs stalwart, was man of the match against the USA and, along with Le Roux, is one of two players who could spark the game to life.
Nanai-Williams had free roam for Samoa last Sunday.
Le Roux plays in a similar fashion, but with the Boks likely to return to a more conservative approach, Le Roux will have to curb his natural attacking instincts.