Stick’s memory of the flak makes Willie’s achievement more special

Willie le Roux will play his landmark 100th game for his country when the Springboks play the second test against Italy on Saturday but it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the fullback.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was part of the Bok management at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and he hasn’t forgotten the stick that Le Roux took from the SA rugby public as the South African team built up to their winning final against England in Yokohama. For him, that makes Le Roux’s achievement even more special.

“For Willie, playing 100 games is a massive achievement,” said Stick on the eve of the game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

“The first time I met Willie, it was still in my playing days, playing Sevens. He was playing for Maties at a tournament I took part in and I started to get to know him then. So I have known him from a young age, and his has been quite a journey. I remember how he was crucified in 2019, but he became a World Cup winner and won another World Cup two years ago.”

According to Stick, while the media and the public might at times have debated Le Roux’s worth, the Boks have always been unwavering in recognising his value to the team.

“We always knew what we had in Willie. He perfectly complements the guys like Cheslin (Kolbe), who stand out and get a lot of credit. I think sometimes people don’t understand what Willie brings. You talk about the point of difference that helps a team win and Willie is that for us. He creates for the players around him.

“He’s a special player, very smart. I know he probably wishes he could play his 100th game in Cape Town, the region where he grew up, but I don’t think he can ask for a better venue to celebrate this landmark than Gqeberha. I am really happy to see the people of this region get a chance to watch our team and to celebrate with Willie.

“Willie is a great team man and player, and he certainly deserves this honour” 🤝#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 9, 2025

“I well remember what it was like here when we were last here in 2021. We played against Argentina and because of Covid the stands were empty. But there will be a big and appreciative crowd on Saturday and it will be a great vibe. Willie has been massive in our system and I am very excited for him for tomorrow.”

The Bok skipper on the day, Salmaan Moerat, said he’d spoken about Le Roux’s contribution to South African rugby earlier in the day and said the fullback had been a personal inspiration to him.

“I did speak earlier about Willie, about what a great team man is,” said Moerat. “He was a boy from Paarl and I watched him play for Boland. He was a hero for me when I was growing up and for several other members of our team. If you get to play for the Springboks just once, that is a huge achievement, so imagine what an achievement it is for him to play 100.

“He brings what we need in the team (for tomorrow). There are a lot of young players playing and you need a blend of young players and experienced heads in the team.”

Le Roux will have a big responsibility on Saturday as he marshals a Bok back three that will be put under pressure by Italy's kicking game.

“Italy do have a really good kicking game and we are wary of it but fortunately we have a very experienced back three (to deal with it),” said the Bok captain.

BLUSTERY WEATHER

There could be some blustery weather for Le Roux and his fellow back three members Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe to contend with. It has been temperate most of the week since a stormy start after the Bok arrival here last Sunday but the wind was intensifying on Friday afternoon in the Windy City and Saturday is forecast to be quite chilly.

That though is not deterring the many Bok fans who are already flooding into the city from the surrounding areas and preparing to make full use of the opportunity to see their Bok heroes in action.

Given that the Boks were just starting out on the Rassie Erasmus journey when they were last here for a game outside of the pandemic years in 2018, when they played against the Wallabies, this is the first opportunity that the people of Gqeberha to will get to see the Boks play as the reigning world champions of this era.