Le Roux's form a tonic for Bulls, and food for thought for Rassie

With all the talk of blooding younger players amid so much Springbok success, one forgotten player has used the last fortnight to remind Bok coach Rassie Erasmus just how good he is and how he shouldn’t be forgotten.

There is no doubt that a major part of the Vodacom Bulls’ success in the opening rounds of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship has a lot to do with the influence of Bok veteran Willie le Roux at the back.

Le Roux, who has taken a back seat at the Boks as he sits on 97 caps, in order to give younger players a shot, has reminded all who watched over the past two weeks that not only is he a massive influence as a second playmaker for any team that he plays for, but he also acts as an on-field coach, using his immense experience to ensure his team stays on the front foot.

That has been apparent in the Bulls without Johan Goosen, and with Boeta Chamberlain slotting in at 10 over the past few weeks, with Le Roux playing a major role in the team’s attack while helping players around him at the same time.

And when the Bulls were down to 13 and then 12 players on the field on Saturday against the Ospreys it was Le Roux who marshalled what was left of the backline, and ensured that while Ospreys still exploited the lopsided numbers, they never took control of the game.

There may have been a lot of doubts about Le Roux moving to the Bulls, but over the last 12 months or so, he has proved that he still is one of the best attacking players in world rugby and his vision is unparalleled.

The double World Cup winner was the man of the match in Swansea, and with good reason. Almost everything in the Bulls attack revolved around him, and while his game may not at times be perfect, the amazing moments he comes up with has been an exceptional part of the Bulls attack since he arrived.

WILLIE'S BRAIN AND EXPERTISE WERE EXACTLY WHAT WAS NEEDED

Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White was talking about how the side handled the defence during the time they were at a disadvantage because of David Kriel’s red card and the others, and particularly singled out Le Roux as a massive part of that.

“That's why I'm glad they made Willie le Roux the man of the match, because I think having his brain and his expertise at the back there, a bit older and wiser, was exactly what we needed on the field,” White said.

A week earlier in his team’s win at home against Ulster, the Bulls coach was similarly impressed with Le Roux’s performance and the way he marshalled the attack.

"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.

"He is very skilful 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."

DONE ENOUGH?

The big question now is if he has done enough to make the Boks for the November tour. With a premium being put on blooding new talent and the impressive performances by fullback Aphelele Fassi, there is an argument that Le Roux may not be needed for the tour.

And while Erasmus has said he wants to get him to 100 caps, the return of Damian Willemse as well and the emergence of Quan Horn as a Bok may make that decision difficult for the Bok coach.

Le Roux knows his role in the team, and if the feeling is that he can add value and has enough in him to play the odd test on tour, he may be included. But if not, the Bok coach has also said he wants to get him to the magical number of 100 tests, even though he may have to wait a while to do it.

"Look, we want to get him to his 100th game," Erasmus said earlier in the Bok international season.

"I think he can play another two years, I don't think he will make another World Cup. If he makes another World Cup, it will be like Stephen Donald (for the All Blacks in 2011]. But his role in the team now is to help youngsters. And when he plays, to help us win."

"He's at a time in his career when he accepts what his role is in the team. He helps the guys to understand how big the test match is. How are we going to handle this? How are you going to read that flyhalf? When do you have to cover what space?' He and Aphelele are close. And when Gaza (Willemse) comes in, he'll be working closely with him."

Several players have spoken on Le Roux’s influence during a game and his coaching on the field. The Bulls are certainly enjoying that at the moment, and even if the Boks don’t take him on tour, he will have a massive influence on the rest of the Bulls’ campaign.