VIDEO: Bulls No. 9 on the Willie factor
VIDEO: One team might take the field with one of the most experienced backs in the country at flyhalf while the other could be forced to fall back on one of their youngsters.
Of course, we are talking about the big North-South derby taking place in Cape Town this weekend when the Stormers host the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
On the Bulls’ side Director of Rugby Jake White holds the ace card close to his chest – will he unleash Willie le Roux at flyhalf or in his more familiar position at fullback?
And on the other side of the country, Stormers coach John Dobson must be sweating bullets as time runs out for his star flyhalf Manie Libbok to recover in time.
*Read Stormers camp prepping for Le Roux at No.10 HERE
Libbok was absent from training on Wednesday as it seems he has not fully recovered from a knee injury he sustained against Leinster.
This means the 24-year-old Jurie Matthee will most likely don the No. 10 jumper.
The Stormers are well aware of the danger the 98-Test-cap Le Roux poses.
Embrose Papier, the Bulls’ scrumhalf, says there is no replacing experience and leadership when it comes to a player like Le Roux.
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“It is always great to play with Willie [le Roux]. He has experience and he made a huge impact when he came on [against the Lions].
“Just the way he talks, takes the lead, and controls the game, it is huge for a nine to know he has someone like that next to him that can give direction on the field,” Papier told a media briefing on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old scrumhalf acknowledged that the loss of their two captains Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw was a huge blow for the team.
“Those are tough losses for us because Elrigh [Louw] and Ruan [Nortje] are big leaders on the field.
“[They are] the two main captains of our team and they usually give us front-football.
“For a scrumhalf, when you have time on the ball you can make better decisions and make them earlier.
“So these guys need to give us possession on the front foot,” Papier added.
“But we have big guys like Marcell Coetzee and Wilco Louw who can step up, drive the team, and bring their leadership.”
According to Papier, there will be more pressure on the home side on Saturday, as they have more to play in terms of the overall position on the log.
“The Stormers have planted the seeds in our head that it’s difficult to play them. They always have a huge crowd which makes it tough and they thrive off the energy the stadium gives them.
“But we don’t have as much pressure on us.
“The Stormers have to win because of their position on the log. They love to move the ball around so we need to stay tight as a unit to absorb all the pressure.
“It’s going to be a tough one. It’s going to be a physical battle. The guys who want it the most will take the win.”
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