Schalk on Willie's new role for Bulls

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Willie le Roux's recent cameo at flyhalf for the Vodacom Bulls has Schalk Burger excited about what the Springbok playmaker can achieve given a proper run in the No 10 jersey.

Burger and fellow former Bok Akona Ndungane, speaking as SuperSport analysts, praised Le Roux's impact off the bench against the Lions at Ellis Park last week.

The veteran fullback replaced Boeta Chamberlain in the second half of the Jukskei derby, with the Bulls struggling to break down their rivals. Le Roux’s introduction changed the game, as Jake White's men ran in three late tries to secure a 35-22 victory.

"The Bulls were a different animal once Willie came on," Burger said. "The fact that it flattens up, he releases the pressure off the back of the forwards, the forwards had options. 

"In the first half, we often just saw Marcell Coetzee tracking it up – Willie comes up and Cameron Hanekom plays beautifully off him. 

"The fact that he was flat means that all of a sudden you can see Cobus Wiese carry and he was largely anonymous in the first half.

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"It's so nice when someone's in motion behind you as a loose forward or playmaking forward because you know there's always an option."

Ndungane noted how two-time World Cup winner Le Roux's positioning made all the difference: "Boeta was too deep, not a threat to the Lions' defence. But Willie takes the ball, runs a few metres, and forces the defence to commit. 

"That's how the Bulls were able to speed up play."

With Johan Goosen sidelined for up to 12 weeks, White now faces a key decision at flyhalf. Ndungane believes starting Le Roux at 10 could be the Bulls' best option.

"The way they finished the game should show Jake that maybe they have a better chance with Willie at 10," he said. 

"I don't think any 10 in the Bulls set-up now will do better than Willie did… he gives him that extra creative attacking weapon and that's what the Bulls are missing at the moment."

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images

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