Jake White hails Willie le Roux's impact: 'It's like having a coach on the field'

It was a brilliant start to a period of home games across all competitions and is sure to be a confidence booster for the Pretoria outfit, who are sitting pretty in third place on the URC table. 

White called on three World Cup winners against Connacht with Canan Moodie starting on the bench whilst Marco van Staden and debutant Willie le Roux were brought straight into the mix, but it would be the veteran fullback who would catch the eye with a try and an assist.

"The Springboks being back is unbelievable," White said. "I was saying to the players before the game, every guy in the forward pack - except for Reinhardt Ludwig, who has captained the SA U20s - had played for South Africa. That's incredible. It's a great step for the Bulls.

"Having World Cup winners back and Springboks in your team is something I have been pushing since I got here. The Bulls need to have international players playing for South Africa, because it makes it so much better for the audience and the product.

"As you saw, you don't just score 50 points against Connacht, I don't know when last they conceded that many. So there's a lot of confidence you are going to get out of that."

Veteran Le Roux was at his busy best in the blue of the Bulls and could well be a very clever signing in Pretoria. White praised the influence the two-time winner has on the team.

"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 skilfull 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."

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