Willie hits back at online trolls after Bulls win
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: Double World Cup-winner Willie le Roux found himself trending on social media following the Bulls’ emphatic 52-17 United Rugby Championship win over the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Although the double World Cup winner was not involved in the Round 11 clash due to Springbok rest protocols, critics took to X, formerly Twitter, to suggest the Pretoria-based franchise looked sharper without the veteran fullback.
The Bulls ran in eight tries to two, with Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier controlling proceedings, while the forwards delivered a dominant performance.
However, he opted for a measured reply rather than biting back, wishing the poster a good weekend.
@JWCoetzee posted on X: “Amazing how much better the Bulls look without Willie le Roux, and with Papier + Pollard finally trusted to kick in their own half. Whole team looks transformed.”
Le Roux replied to this: “Cheers tjom, have a lekker weekend”.
Another user, @Zulu_Goku, left a few lines: “Willie le Roux. It might be time, Oom”.
Le Roux responded with: “Time for what my friend? Have a lekker weekend our forwards was awesome tonight (by the way)”.
The 36-year-old has long been regarded as one of South African rugby’s most influential back-three players over the past decade, but he also has more than his fair share of detractors, nonetheless. Used to defusing on-pitch bombs, Le Roux clearly understands that ‘less is more’ when defusing the online variety.
The fullback was rested for the return Jukskei derby due to Bok protocols.
