Willie le Roux anticipates ‘brutal’ match with Tonga in ‘big week’ for SA
September 28, 2023
Springboks fullback Willie le Roux is anticipating a “brutal” clash against Tonga in the Rugby World Cup in France on Sunday.
South Africa beat Scotland and Romania before losing to Ireland earlier this World Cup. Victory over Tonga would secure a quarter-final berth.
“It’s a big week for us against Tonga,” said le Roux.
“This is knockout rugby for us and it’s going to be brutal because they have some big guys playing for them.
“It’s going to be a physical match and I think there’ll be some sore bodies after the game. Our defence will have to be up for it because they have players that can spark anything from anywhere.”
The 34-year-old le Roux, who debuted in international rugby against Italy in Durban in 2013, will welcome a 90th Test match cap this week.
“On a personal note, I just want to do my best, enjoy myself and to try to make the team win. We have such great depth in the team, one cannot get comfortable in a jersey. We keep pushing one another to get better,” he added.
The Springboks are the reigning World Cup champions. They have won the title three times. The first was in 1995 – and again in 2007. The third came in 2019.
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Willie le Roux anticipates ‘brutal’ match with Tonga in ‘big week’ for SA
Springboks fullback Willie le Roux is anticipating a “brutal” clash against Tonga in the Rugby World Cup in France on Sunday.
South Africa beat Scotland and Romania before losing to Ireland earlier this World Cup. Victory over Tonga would secure a quarter-final berth.
“It’s a big week for us against Tonga,” said le Roux.
“This is knockout rugby for us and it’s going to be brutal because they have some big guys playing for them.
“It’s going to be a physical match and I think there’ll be some sore bodies after the game. Our defence will have to be up for it because they have players that can spark anything from anywhere.”
The 34-year-old le Roux, who debuted in international rugby against Italy in Durban in 2013, will welcome a 90th Test match cap this week.
“On a personal note, I just want to do my best, enjoy myself and to try to make the team win. We have such great depth in the team, one cannot get comfortable in a jersey. We keep pushing one another to get better,” he added.
The Springboks are the reigning World Cup champions. They have won the title three times. The first was in 1995 – and again in 2007. The third came in 2019.