Having mercurial fullback Willie le Roux back from his English club Wasps has given the Springboks a massive boost ahead of their clash against Australia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says.
After the Boks’ sensational win over the All Blacks in Wellington, New Zealand, Le Roux returned to England, but has been released for the final two Rugby Championship games against the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
Stick said Le Roux’s experience had played a key role in the victory over the All Blacks and his presence would be invaluable against Australia come Saturday.
“Jeez, Willie adds great value to our side and he is one of our most experienced players,” Stick said.
“Before the New Zealand match, I said that if Willie, Faf De Klerk and Handre Pollard make the right decisions the chances are that Aphiwe Dyantyi will be man-of-the-match.
“I said that because of the leadership of those three players and it showed on the field.
“Once you have Willie and those other guys on the field with their leadership and stuff, you have a better chance to win against any team in the world.
“We are excited and looking forward to playing on Saturday and we know Australia are hurting.
“The Boks are not going to underestimate them. We are looking to give our people the win they are looking for.”
Stick said big things were expected from uncapped centre Ruhan Nel, who has been called up for the Port Elizabeth Test.
Nel, who made 135 appearances for the Blitzboks before returning to the 15-man code, has been a standout player for Western Province.
“Coming from the Sevens circuit, Ruhan has been the success of that team for the past couple of years.
“This is a guy who took a bold decision to return to 15man rugby,” Stick said.
“We feel that he has got something to offer. In the couple of games he has played in the Currie Cup, we have seen the potential of the youngster.
“It is good for our country when we give youngsters an opportunity, especially with the World Cup coming up next year,” Stick said.
“This is something that Rassie Erasmus is doing well and there is good competition in the squad and fresh energy with the youngsters.
“Ruhan deserved to be called up to the squad.
“If I think of Ruhan, he reminds me of the legendary Marius Joubert.
“Back in the day, Marius was one of those players who was sneaky around the field and always had a good eye for space.
“Ruhan can see the space and he has a great work rate.
“I think we have to give credit to our system.
“The Blitzboks have won some Sevens series and you can see they are doing something well.
“I am also happy that Rassie does not overlook Sevens players and he can see they have a future in the 15-man code.”
Stick said the Boks would not allow the added expectation after their win over the All Backs to affect them.
“I think the main thing for us, is that we have our own team goals. Yes, it was a great win [in Wellington] for South African rugby, but we are not going to get carried away.
“There is room for improvement in the squad. We are looking at the bigger picture and building up to the World Cup,” Stick said.