VIDEO: Die Strandhond at Loftus
WATCH as double World Cup winner Willie le Roux joins the Behind the Ruck podcast and talks about Die Strandhond who became a Bull.
The Springbok star spoke in-depth about his experiences on the field and gave insights into his journey from an unknown Boland flyhalf to a global icon.
It included when he started in the Boland club circuit, a six-month stint at Racing in France, back to Boland, then Griquas, Cheetahs and finally the Springboks – a long hard slog to get to the top.
“It was an incredible journey,” he said, adding: “It was tough, but I enjoyed it.”
In his first season in the United Rugby Championship, he helped the Bulls to reach Saturday’s semifinal face-off against multiple champions Leinster.
“I am enjoying my time at Loftus,” he told the Behind the Ruck team of Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh.
“I have often played against the Bulls here [at Loftus], but you never know how special it is until you sit here.”
He said he still gets nervous, even at the age of 34.
Le Roux that his stint at Wasps in England taught him about ‘creating space’ for others, now a trademark of his game.
The Bok credited retired England international Danny Cipriani with a lot of his current skills and ability to read the game.
Just six caps away from a Springbok centurion, he said it would be amazing to join that club.
“There are young guys push through, keeping me on my toes,” Le Roux said.
He also spoke about the amazing journeys of 2019 and 2023, he said the last World Cup was the best of the two – because they were defending champions and had a target on their backs.
Source: Behind the Ruck
