Handre Pollard has praised veteran fullback Willie le Roux, who could join the elite group of Springbok centurions next year.
Currently on 93 Test caps after the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, Le Roux could become the eighth Springbok to play 100 games for South Africa in 2024.
The 34-year-old has divided opinion during his time in the green and gold, often being the subject of comical memes shared over social media, but has been in the spine of two World Cup-winning teams.
An excellent start to his chapter with Jake White’s Vodacom Bulls side has seen Le Roux garner more appreciation for his tactical nous, with the veteran wasting little in making a positive impact at Loftus Versfeld.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with RugbyPass, Pollard said that Le Roux has often been the man giving the Springboks a lift when it has been needed.
“Willie has always been the best in terms of coming over and patting me on the back and encouraging me to get ready for what comes next,” Pollard told RugbyPass.
“The public gives him a hard time, and we sometimes laugh at what gets said or shared on social media, because it’s so wide of the mark.
“I cannot say enough for what he does in terms of lifting the team exactly when we need it. It inspires me to try and do the same.”
Pollard also spoke positively about Siya Kolisi’s growth during the flanker’s time as Springbok captain.
“Siya often credits the other leaders for assuming control or easing the pressure. He’s grown into a fine leader over the years, though, and rarely needs our support anymore.
“That allows us to focus on other things. We can keep the guys on task, and provide them with energy when they need it most.”
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