Willie le Roux says it won’t be difficult for the Springboks to produce one last big effort of the year against Wales in Cardiff.
The Boks will play their 14th and final Test of 2018 on Saturday. A win would see them finish the year with eight wins and a 57% win record, while a fourth consecutive loss to Wales would bring the team’s win record under coach Rassie Erasmus down to 50%.
Le Roux said the Boks would definitely be up for the challenge.
‘The squad is looking forward to it,’ he said at Tuesday’s press conference. ‘This is the last game of the season for a lot of the guys, so one more week of hard work and they can have some time off.
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‘I don’t think it’s difficult [to produce one last big effort],’ Le Roux added. ‘It’s your job and when you play for South Africa, you’re representing your country. To end the tour on a high [with a win] would be unbelievable for the squad and the people back home.’
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Le Roux said Wales would still pose a big threat without fullback Leigh Halfpenny, who has concussion and has been ruled out of the match.
‘I’ve played a few times against him, he’s a world-class player, world-class fullback and a world-class goal-kicker who doesn’t miss. But Wales can put Liam Williams or Gareth Anscombe there, with George North on the wing.’
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images