Bulls set to lose another Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok for URC Grand Final against Glasgow Warriors

Bulls-star-Willie-le-Roux-on-his-debut-against-Connacht

The Bulls’ United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final win over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld could prove costly as they are sweating over the fitness of experienced full-back Willie le Roux.

The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok is a serious doubt for the URC Grand Final against Glasgow Warriors in Pretoria on Saturday after he left the field in the Bulls’ 25-20 victory against the Irish province with a head injury.

Failed his HIA

This, after the 34-year-old went for a HIA, following a dangerous hit from Leinster second-row Joe McCarthy in the 55th minute, which he failed.

If Le Roux does not recover in time for the final, it will be the third time in as many weeks that Bulls will lose a Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok to injury after Canan Moodie (hand) and Kurt-Lee Arendse (cheekbone) were also injured in their recent victories over the Sharks and Benetton.

“It’s not just an HIA, he got whacked on his neck as well,” Bulls boss Jake White revealed after Saturday’s match. “We’ve also got to go and check and see how his neck is from an injury perspective.

“It’s obviously not great because we’ve also Canan and Kurt-Lee out – [it seems like if] you’re picked for the Boks and play in the World Cup you don’t get to play for the Bulls every week.”

Le Roux was playing very well before he got injured. His excellent kicking out of hand caused Leinster several problems while he also slotted in nicely as a second playmaker on some occasions.

Brilliant Bulls reach second United Rugby Championship final as Leinster fail yet again

“He was outstanding,” said White. “To be fair, people underestimate his value [but] just from the way he talks on the field, and those kicks he did at the back there… But let’s see [what happens], I didn’t think with the back-three we had we’d be as good today.

“So, opportunity comes next week for someone else, hopefully we’ll be able to put someone in his place if he’s not available. You don’t want to play someone with a head injury – I’ve got kids, you don’t want to push guys into that situation – but who knows, maybe tomorrow it’s the neck that’s sore and when it heals, he’ll be fine for HIA protocols.

“But I’m not banking on that. I saw Canan and Kurt-Lee in the changing room just now, I asked them if the injection and tape [for their injuries] have worked (he laughed).”

Marcell Coetzee set to return to action

Meanwhile, White also explained the absence of Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee, who was initially set to return to action against Leinster, but he should be available for selection for the URC final.

“He did say to me he wants to play next week,” added White. “I just said to him now: ‘Are you going to be ready next week?’ and he said why do you want to change if it’s working like that.

“But I’ll make that call, I think with Willie maybe not there – and Munster are a completely different team to Leinster, and I’m assuming they’re going to win (against Glasgow Warriors) – I’ll have a look at how the game goes and decide.”