Rassie Erasmus explains so-called Willie Le Roux Bok selection snub

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has opened up on why veteran fullback Willie Le Roux missed out on earning his 100th Test cap for South Africa in 2024.

Despite being on the cusp of a century, Le Roux featured in just four of the Springboks’ 13 matches during the year. Two of those appearances came in back-to-back Tests against Ireland on home soil, while the other two were on the road—first against Australia in the Rugby Championship opener and later against Scotland in the Nations Series.

While he believes Le Roux deserves to reach the 100-Test milestone for his service to the green-and-gold jersey, Erasmus maintains that the team’s priorities must always take precedence over personal accolades.

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“When Eben played his [128th] Test, we wanted to play that game in South Africa when he broke the [Springbok] record.

“We want to start a player when it’s his 100th game.”

For the majority of the season Aphelele Fassi assumed the No.15 jersey. It was a strategic decision that Erasmus says was made for the benefit of the team.

“We would’ve loved to give Willie [le Roux] his 100th Test last year, but [Aphelele] Fassi was just playing so well.

“So we don’t want to give away freebies. He is two games away.

“Sacha [Feinburg-Mngomezulu] and Damian [Willemse] haven’t played for a while.

“[Aphelele] Fassi and Manie [Libbok] is currently injured.

“Jordan [Hendrikse] and Siya Masuku is coming through, and Cheslin [Kolbe] can play fullback.

“We will never put a player’s personal interest above the team. But Willie deserves to get to 100 games.

“We’re playing 15 matches with 14 being Tests, so hopefully he’ll get his 100th [Test] this year.”

With 98 Springbok caps Le Roux has also turned out for the Bulls (28 matches), Toyota Verblitz (22), Wasps (56), Sharks (13), and Cheetahs (25), the vast majority as a starter.