Jake White lauds ‘on-field coach’ Willie Le Roux

Jake White has no doubt that Willie Le Roux will be an asset to the Bulls after a sparkling Loftus URC debut against Connacht.

Le Roux’s awareness and decision-making made a big difference to the Bulls lineup and White said it was like having a coach on the field.

Willie Le Roux like a coach on the field

The DoR believes that Le Roux gets far too much hate for a player of his quality.

“I can’t believe he gets all the flak that he does. It was the first time he has played for the Bulls, but he looked like he has been here since I started here four years ago,” White said after the Bulls trampled Connacht.

“He is very skilfull and clever. I am really happy he has come to the Bulls. You can see the impact he has on our wings. It’s like having a coach on the field. I have no doubt that as long as he stays healthy, he will make it very difficult to kick him out.”

Springboks lift Bulls

White added that the Springboks return has been a fillup for the Bulls with Marco van Staden playing a key role in the win over Connacht while Canan Moodie came off the bench late on.

“The Springboks being back is unbelievable,” White said. “I was saying to the players before the game, every guy in the forward pack – except for Reinhardt Ludwig, who has captained the SA U20s – had played for South Africa. That’s incredible. It’s a great step for the Bulls.

“Having World Cup winners back and Springboks in your team is something I have been pushing since I got here. The Bulls need to have international players playing for South Africa, because it makes it so much better for the audience and the product.

“As you saw, you don’t just score 50 points against Connacht, I don’t know when last they conceded that many. So there’s a lot of confidence you are going to get out of that.”