Rugby World Cup 2019: Springboks have some Ferraris of our own, says Le Roux

Willie le Roux is confident South Africa have enough speed of their own to cope with Japan’s “Ferraris”.

That was the nickname given to Japan fliers Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima by head coach Jamie Joseph, whose side have been the surprise package on home soil at the Rugby World Cup.

Japan’s attacking brand of rugby yielded shock wins over Ireland and Scotland, the latter seeing the Brave Blossoms top Pool A to set up a quarter-final with the Springboks, who they upset in the group stages four years ago.

South Africa are no slouches themselves, though, with Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi providing pace and threat out wide.

Le Roux, who brought laughter among the press pack by describing himself as a “bakkie” – a type of pickup truck – is eager to face the challenge.

“We’ve definitely got a few Ferraris out there as well,” Le Roux said. “I don’t think I’m one of them – I’m more of a bakkie person – a Toyota bakkie.

“The guys who will play this weekend are fast, and if I get an opportunity to play as well, I will do my best to put them away and put them in space.”

Cheslin back on the training field
#StrongerTogether #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/xOghkxgrRB

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 15, 2019

The 30-year-old full-back is expecting a daunting challenge against Japan’s varied attack.

“For the back three, it is going to be very hard work,” he added. 

“They put all those kicks in and have specific guys chasing. They are very fast out wide, chasing those balls.

“The guys playing in the back three will have to be awake and be alive to those kicks.”

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