Resilient, relentless, and full of flair, the man with a plan, Willie Le Roux! | Use It or Lose It

Architect. General. Playmaker. He’s the man at the back, watching, waiting, planning. Organising his troops. Finding holes in the opposition. Always focused, always ready. He strikes with fire and flair. Few can match his rugby IQ and his ability to read the game is second to none. And he’s also one of the nicest guys on the pitch.
A Strand boy by way of Stellenbosch, Willie’s skills have taken him around the world and seen him rack up 70 Springbok caps (with more to come). Fresh off the Springbok’s win over New Zealand in what is already being called one of the greatest test matches ever, we caught up with him before he heads back to Japan to rejoin his current team, the Toyota Verblitz.
We spoke about being away from home with strict lockdown restrictions, travelling the world, skipping school to watch rugby, and a lot more. We also received our most Fan Favourites ever and we think we recorded our best ever Bad Jokes!
Delivered by DHL #FurtherTogether
Check out more from Use It or Lose It here:
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Use It or Lose It is a bi-weekly chat show with former Springboks and rugby legends Jean “JDV” de Villiers and Schalk “Scalla” Burger. It’s shoot from the hip, loose lip, fun, where they share old stories, talk sports, dabble in current affairs, and chat to other legends, musicians, celebs, and friends they’ve made over the years.
#DHLAfrica #DHLDelivers #rugby #jeandevlliers #schalkburger #talkshow #sportshow #jeandevilliers #schalkburger #springboks #rwc #rugbyworldcup

[@JacquesVDB]

I watched a KZbin video with all of Brian Habana’s tries. It amazed me to see how many tries Willie assisted in…!!! He might not have the most tries, but I bet you he has the most try assists of all the current Boks! Great player! Hats off to you champ! Great show!

[@dawidvanstraaten]

Always said Willie makes more assists than any other player

[@richardbowkers5507]

After willie fell on his neck during that super rugby game he became a different player

[@JacquesVDB]

@@richardbowkers5507 maybe, but he is still your best bet to create a try for someone else. Example: yes, other players also involved, but it was Willie that drew the man to put the awesome Cheslin into space and score the try against B&I Lions. I can continue this list for most of the day…

[@2011jnel]

Willie is a champion, before he came into the Springbok setup there was no creativity!

[@loginroberts6673]

Well Done Willie.No Joke u are One Good Springbok.

[@josephvanwyk2088]

We the Springboks supporters are brutal with you guys, because when you wear the GREEN AND GOLD - it's expected of you to perform 150%. Wether you swim, bat, or sing Opera - when you receive green and gold, you are suppose to be the BEST of the BEST. We love the Boks so dearly, it's a marriage through thick and thin.

[@benmarshall5132]

One of the best Fullbacks of the past decade. If you're young and want to learn to play fullback, just watch Willie for a whole game. Saffas will criticize him all they want because they're spoiled children but people from outside SA know how good he really is. Shame on y'all for your negative comments.

[@user-tl2cs6wv8b]

Well said👍 The man is a magician.

[@kutendamakwamaya977]

When he is Good, We celebrate that He has been Doing Good. I have seen the Le Roux of 2018 and 2019 who was pretty spectacular. If he is playing bad, don't sugarcoat it. He needs to Prove himself that he deserves his place in the Team.

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

Lozlozlozlolzlol..... What's the matter with you ........ Surely you don't have a problem with having high standards?

[@jldp24]

Why do you think there isa plethora of negative comments critiqueing the decison to constantly pick him? You make it sound like its absurd and that he is the really great.

[@benmarshall5132]

@@jldp24 World cup winning fullback, lions tour winning fullback, 70 caps for the Springboks. Enough said. Have fun being a twat.

[@happysaffa8871]

People give Willie so much stick, but he is an amazing player. The people that criticize from their laptops have never accomplished anything in their lives. Also, Schalk could easily become a bok coach. He truly has an incredible rugby brain. JDV can be his waterboy, if he doesn't get injured carrying the water haha. Love the show. Well done guys :) Willie, jy is awesome! Moenie worry oor die dom mense nie.

[@gertloubser9346]

willie is so underrated, love the flair he brings to the Springbokke

[@albertvanlingen7590]

Willie tot Squidge rugby dink die Bokke kannie sonder jou nie. Hoop rerig ons sien jou in die volgende world cup in no15 🏉🏉🇿🇦 Groot fan! Go Bokke 🏆 🏉 🇿🇦

[@KrnSMLS]

Willie is a symbol of strength in the Boks squad. Keep up the good work 👍🏽 From Australia 🇦🇺

[@user-tl2cs6wv8b]

The genius that is known as Willie Le Roux🙌🇿🇦

[@robheymann8466]

People love to focus on the mistakes Willie makes in games, and granted he makes them, but rarely bother to review the build ups or finishes for most of our point scoring oppertunities. Odds are Willie had some role to play in it. When you're always involved in the game, you're going to feature, good or bad. You need a wild card player like him. Just like Quade for Aus or as SBW was for NZ. With all his experience, he is still the right man at 15.

[@jldp24]

No and you blind. His mistakes outweigh his positives at the moment. Gives thr other guys a chance..Fassie needs to play now to be ready for thr next Wc..Gelant the same.

[@robheymann8466]

@@jldp24 haha in what world :) Shem

[@Jay-Leigh863]

@@jldp24 professional sport is not about giving players a chance. It's about winning. When you have a settled team that wins more than it loses then you stick with the team you have. Fringe players get their opportunity when injuries happen and then it's up to them to grab the opportunity. If they are successful then they are in otherwise its still the encumbent players position. Harsh as it may sound, to be a winner that's what it takes. It's called the reality of professional sports where all that matters is success. In fact, that's how life works too

[@jldp24]

@@Jay-Leigh863 ok ..you took it out of context. By chance I meant...drop Willie who is not performing and pick Gelant or Fassie who are better viable options.

[@Jay-Leigh863]

@@jldp24 I agree Fassie is the future and a brilliant talent and when he becomes the Springbok first choice, which I believe he will be, as his experience increases he will be an even better player. Gelante is also not going to let the side down. We are in a fortunate position to have players of this caliber. Unfortunately the minute they become a regular in the team the scrutiny they get put under starts creating the illusion they are not up to it. Willie has been experiencing that for some time. Rassie went through it himself in his playing days so he knows what is happening and won't be easily swayed. I'm just glad that the "quota player" accusations have died down. Every single player in the current Springbok squad is a merit player. I was a big supporter of Lukanyo Am prior to the 2019 RWC and look at the series of brilliant performances he has delivered! Siya has also really risen to the challenge after winning the World Cup, where he's stats looked better than even PSDT(which is huge!), he really shone in both the games against the All Blacks.

[@rudivanaarde8952]

Extremely underrated. one of the key players for the Boks.

[@maylisdubois8166]

I love Willie!❤❤ Greetings from France

[@Graham159871]

That opening to bad jokes by Jean was brilliant!! Did not expect that 🤣🤣

[@eiremike1]

Another awesome show and so lekker to learn more about the great WLR. Sometimes I have also kukked him out (like Jean did), but most of them time he either saves the team (positional, catching high balls, try saving tackles) or he creates magic (assisting moerse baie tries). His 2 tackles in a row in the final around 30 mins after England had 25+ phases on attack changed that game and killed their momentum - and to do that with a damaged shoulder speaks volumes of the man he is and the Hond in hom. Ek sal nie weer met hom raas nie

[@seamus9750]

Such a humble guy....when he's on song he's untouchable.

[@andywylie287]

Always been a fan of Willie Le Roux. Always will be. One of the greats!

[@siphesikuza4827]

i love this guy, you Can see he is genuinely humble.

[@chrismouton1985]

Lekker show, guys! Willie is such a legend! Curious to know the censored jokes...;)

[@simsnyandeni3828]

Apparently he’s one of the nicest you’ll ever meet. Big up Willie

[@loginroberts6673]

Willie no joke u are Most Excellent.Springbok.Well Done.

[@Andre.B8]

Willie jou yster, keep going hard

[@chadleywenn648]

I hope that this get posted on fb so that a lot of people can see this guys story. Definitely an inspiration and a sign of hope

[@nebliksem6800]

Best show yet guys. I am surprised that Willie does not have more caps. Willie Le Roux is always a pleasure to watch, exciting, mercurial, deceivingly fast, like lightning thru the gap. One of my favourite Springboks ever. I remember the days when we would wake up 3 am to listen to the radio to hear the Springboks playing in NZ or Australia...so have been a fan for a long long time. Boks forever. Here is a story to go home with. Koos Wye Voet played tighthead for the Blue Bulls for 12 years before, finally, he got the nod to represent the Springboks. He and his family were delighted...until he heard where they were playing...New Zealand. He reluctantly went to the Springbok Management and told him that he could not go on the tour. The Brig asked him why not "KWV jy't vir 12 jare gespeel om die kans te kry en nou hoekem!!!! ek verstaan dit nie. KWV replied 'Oom, not a fok gaan ek wakker word 2 uur in die oggend om rugby te speel'!!! You like it....its yours ;-)

[@hanshuman1382]

SA two best fullbacks the last 60 years. Andre Joubert was the finisher. Willie is the genius play creator and organizer.

[@cullyx2913]

👍

[@sakabula1285]

Dont forget Percy guys...

[@cullyx2913]

@@sakabula1285 Loved watching Monty in full flow

[@andrieslubbe7988]

Great show like always! Looking forward to the next one and also seeing Willie silence a few "fans" on year end tour.

[@barry-johnwyman3623]

Enjoyed this chat , thanks Willie , Jean and Mr Burger. Keep up the good work , this is really a great show and nice to know a little of the off field stuff

[@robertreeve8365]

I’m glad you still show it !

[@JoelChadd_23]

I love watching these. My new favourite channel, see all my favourite rugby players personality.

[@JSTEELE-]

Great stuff

[@jontheb123]

Just realized that I would have seen Willie playing at Paul Roos during his school days. I remember watching a game with some of the staff there and someone said that the flyhalf would be a Springbok one day. The name slips my mind, but he must have been talking about Willie. BTW - this was probably the most intense, tactically detailed show you guys have ever done. I actually prefer the more informal side of things. It's nice to hear more about the off field stories.

[@odmkapuza]

I always enjoy your show....😄 Bad jokes by JD love it & Love those moments when Schulk share good old playing days & memories .

[@danielevans6293]

Loving the insights. Love the show guys.

[@cullyx2913]

Yet another brilliant episode

[@danielhattingh3703]

Nee manne hoekom kan ons nie die goeie grappies hoor nie. Great show.

[@tilmanvondelft7461]

Great show. Great guy Willie, humble and endearing. Looks like Schalk & Jean will need to start onlyfans account for censored content! 😂😂

[@bbviljoen1153]

Juan die son het jou gepiets pappie! Smeer maar die roompies as jy golf ⛳️ speel 🥵. Lekker show 👍🏻👌🏻

[@ernestpotgieter8526]

Love the show,groete van die Filippyne :)

[@tedlow511]

You need to upload these bad boys to Spotify

[@christogroenewald6641]

Good show gents. One of the 20 people watching in the first series. 👍👍 Great insight into Willie’s life 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@kb8796]

Great show....Willie is a great player and a huge asset to springbok rugby and the next player that takes over from Willie has big shoes to fill....

[@johnh777777ify]

Great show

[@carlosl-f2433]

What an awesome interview! Great show!

[@thebigsurg]

Nog steeds saam Juba, Percy ons beste heelagter!

[@adamvanderriet9669]

LEGEND \m/

[@kennedymanyengawana1762]

Love your show guys

[@christeebs]

cool to see Adam from the Elite Rugby Banter podcast get a question in

[@heicokuhn7150]

Nee man, wats die grap ons wil saam lag! Lekker show guys

[@travismcgarry]

Great episode again, really enjoy the dynamic that shows the other side to the players that most of us don’t see. Nice change to Bad jokes format

[@psel2501]

Lekker guys. Very jealous of the nice location.

[@WF-ss3lm]

🔥

[@Mr1in1000000]

Assist king

[@neilhymers6727]

Great show guys. Nothing like it here in Oz. Really plays to the gees of rugby in ZA that's totally missing here. My only well meaning criticism is that 1 hour is too long. Nowadays hard to find that much time to dedicate to a single piece of "content". 30 minutes 🤷‍♂️?

[@shaldon93]

If you let your imagination go wild you can fill in the jokes 😂

[@WalterWhite-sm2dr]

55:00. Rugby head injuries

[@Keranofkri]

Loved Willie buy man he needs to step it up a tad.

[@roryslaine7896]

Random, but Willie le Roux kinda looks like Stevie Gerrard.

[@lewissypher2595]

We Will realise his value on young back 3 players after he’s hung his boots up.

[@bonanimavata9117]

Where can I post a question for the next guest? I understand there’s a whatsapp number.

[@mr.e6748]

Damb Bonani they really out here ignoring us man😂

[@bonanimavata9117]

@@mr.e6748 We probably don't belong here. We thought we'd fit right in. I mean rugby is glue that's suppose binds us. Lol I guess the bad joke is on us.

[@kjkja99]

My like is for Willie not you Jean 😝😝😜😉😁

[@rougerenegade2048]

A Hero? Not realy, but still a great guy.

[@mr.e6748]

Who would you like to see get some experience at fullback as a future replacement for Willie?

[@longegg9892]

Fassie and Gelant

[@nielrossouw7831]

Willie on form

[@ashleymaasdorp9591]

Willie needs a break from rugby...To make sure he's Top notch come world cup 2023...🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦

[@cheslynwilliams2243]

Are willie le roux guy

[@robertreeve8365]

It was Italian

[@ekzteerb1]

Why censor the jokes!? I really want to know Schalk's grappie now.

[@paulgrobowski8575]

He's scored more points for the opposition 🤔🤭😉 true comment re try assists👍🏆💫

[@iamarugbyfansa1031]

Against?

[@lifestarts8495]

so die ouens het heeltemal vergeet hoe om afrikaans met mekaar te praat? ek weet ja ja nie almal wat kyk is afrikaans nie,maar 2 minute in afr? of selfs 1?

[@maylisdubois8166]

English is OK for everyone. :) I'm french. By the way, I like how sounds the afrikaans language.😊

[@blaquenguni9249]

Willie should've retired after the World Cup, would've been the redemption story, the legend he is. But he's been atrocious in every factet of fullback play, he's still the best natural 10/distributor we have in the country, that part of his game has never gone down. However his kicks out of hand have zero distance, his up and under don't have enough air, he constantly spills the ball when trying to catch up and unders. It's more the terrible one dimensional of Jacques "all I know is defense" Nienaber for always picking the most conservative option in all position. Pollard needs a break and hasn't really been able to get a good season under since coming back from injury ... But he keeps getting picked.

[@revenant2979]

The Boks just one the World Cup back back with Willie and Pollard essential to the win. Your comment did not age well keyboard warrior 🙄 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@celltanic]

Missed opportunity, Scalla should have taught Willie how to take some hits, seems like he doesn't like contact!!!!

[@DW-tr3bl]

Lol nogal Willie. Swak fullback!!!

[@Dani-tl7bz]

Jy het nie n clue van rugby nie

[@DW-tr3bl]

@@Dani-tl7bz willie is sleg. In watter top team se span sal hy spl? Net die bokke.

[@Dani-tl7bz]

@@DW-tr3bl moenie n fout maak nie, al die Suid Afrikaanse spanne sal hom wil hê, maar hy speel huidiglik in Japan. Ek weet nie watter rugby jy kyk nie, maar hy maak meer as 70% van die sprinbokke se drieë. Gelukkig is Jacques Nienaber en Rassie daar wat rugby ken en hom bly kies. Jy dink tog sekerlik nie Rassie wat die beste coach is kies n ou wat sleg is nie? Doen jouself n guns en gaan kyk bietjie videos van Willie, dan sal jy sien presies wat hy in ons span beteken.

[@DW-tr3bl]

International teams.... Wie Wil hom he? Willie is regtig swak al vir jare nou AL geen spoed of krag. Seker die stadigste backline player in die bok kamp

[@Dani-tl7bz]

@@DW-tr3bl het jy dan niks gelees wat ek gesê het nie? Dit is nie my opinie nie, dit is n feit dat hy meer as 70% van die Springbokke se drieë MAAK. All Blacks, Frankryk, Engeland, Australia en Ierland sal hom baie graag in hulle spanne wil hê, glo my... Hy lees n game soos min ander en kan n game net so verander want hy het die x faktor. So, jy is van die mening dat nie net Rassie en Jacques nie weet wie goed is nie, maar iemand soos Schalk Burger en Swys de Bruyn weet seker ook nie wie is goed nie? Want altwee van hulle het nou na ons laaste paar wedstryde sy naam genoem onder spelers wat baie goed in die laaste toetse gespeel het.

[@williambotha5864]

Genius or Poephol - notice he looks at the stadium screens a LOT if he's playing well, but ignores them when he's shyte. His strength is his intuition - his weakness is that you never know which Willie you're gonna get.

[@zetristan4525]

🍔For Weak Jokes: Q: What do you call the brilliant flairful Scalla when he's cold and hangry? A: The Incredible Schalk BrrrGrrr 🥶🦁

[@mjribes]

He lost me at sushi over steak!

[@kenrehill8775]

Why are rugby men obsessed with being humble?

[@AroundDurban]

Because when you know you have the ability to dismantle anyone in the room you prefer to be humble and calm

[@gregsoul]

There's some weird sexual dynamic btween Jean and Willie. Jean is mostly starting it. Schalk is just asking the big brain questions - this man is clever, good interviewer.

[@RNStudio7704]

Great guy but not our best fullback

[@l.a.benjamin6222]

Jammer ouens! Maar Willie hoort nie in die span nie. Al het hy hoeveel "try support", mors hy teveel. Deur hom ht ek nog net 4 naels oor. Ons het so baie goeie heelagters in die land. Die wedstryd is soveel anders as hy nie op die veld is nie.

[@japiebruce4045]

Man gaan praat kak op n ander plek! Gaan kyk eerder sokker want jy weet fokol van rugby af nie

[@l.a.benjamin6222]

@@japiebruce4045 en jy het rugby uitgevind! Enige een wat Willie support, ken nie rugby nie...julle 2 kan gaan kennetjie saam speel, dalk kan julle Olimpiese Spele toe gaan vir daai!

[@japiebruce4045]

@@l.a.benjamin6222 Okay nee sorry ek het nie geweet ek stry nou met Danie Craven nie hoor!

[@l.a.benjamin6222]

@@japiebruce4045 en Danie Craven moet nou wat vir my beteken?

[@donovancloete7688]

Skies om so in te prop kerels, sien die comment lê al lank hier. Ek was bietjie verveeld toe scroll ek maar deur youtube videos van ou Willie toe kom ek op die comment af. Almal het hulle eie siening en mening van elke speler, maar sjoe! Die ou het Springbok span behaal vir n rede? @L.A Benjamin weet jy ooit wie is Danie Craven? Aangesien jy rugby so ken? Maar inelkgeval, laat ek maar verder my dag geniet met ou Willie se goedjies op youtube. Kap hom vlou kerels!

[@kutendamakwamaya977]

Eish Willie, You NEED to earn the Right to play In the 15 Jersey Again. 4 consecutive Poor Games is Unacceptable. Start by playing in Jersey 23 with Handre Pollard in 22, Then Play in Jersey 14 to prove YOU deserve to Play at Fullback. There are Guys there in South Africa just Waiting for their place at 15, Please Prove your Self Worthy to us as Fans and to the Coaching Staff that YOU deserve to play in the Green and Gold. Otherwise..... Your spot could be taken at Anytime.

[@sakabula1285]

Rassie and Nienies knows more about rugby than you ever will and they back him...he doesnt have to prove anything to you..who are you?

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

No he’s by far our best 15…. Needs to be set free and be creative. Listen Jacque and Rassie….. attack !!!!!

[@kutendamakwamaya977]

I am not Denying that he is Our 1st Choice Fullback. I have seen the le Roux of old, The 2017-2019 le Roux. However, His dismal performances in the Australasia leg of TRC this year, Kicking balls straight into touch, Kicking when there is an overlap. That's not what we expected from le Roux. He is a nice Guy and we have seen the flourishing le Roux, However, He needs to Take a Step up. Yes we can Back him, but not as a Starter, Maybe Jersey 23 so he can work to get his form up.

[@moegamadadams1156]

@@kutendamakwamaya977 its called complacency, his been the incumbant for years now...his name gets onda teamsheet without even thinking...he deserves goodfaith from the coaches ,his been a stalwart and achieved alot..but based on performance,his been pathetic..kolbe,fassi,Galant ,Willemse would all be better than him at 15 now...however ,sometimes abit of time away from the game can get him hungry again...a hungry willie is a deadly willie...he wasnt good enough to break into wp from maties,went to boland then to griquas and perservered to become a legendary bok...his got more than what it takes, just think he needs a sabatical ,some reflection to get back to his best....sometimes being dropped helps, complacency is clearly evident

[@kutendamakwamaya977]

One year later...... He earned the right to play in the bok Jersey. He played out of Jersey 23 for some games but That Combo between him and Willemse worked like a charm. He showed why we still need him as he brings so much to offer on attack with His knowledge. Long may it continue

[@hannesolivier204]

Willie is good at Golf because there the ball is supposed to get knocked forward

[@happysaffa8871]

Says the guy that probably the chess captain at school and never played a game of rugga...

[@hannesolivier204]

@@happysaffa8871 🤣🤣🤣 my vriend ek het my hele lewe lank heelagter gespeel. My sleutelbeen gebreek en die game klaar gemaak. Raak jy net rustig daar

[@happysaffa8871]

@@hannesolivier204 hahaha trek net jou been tjom

[@hannesolivier204]

@@happysaffa8871 😉

[@hansielategan969]

@@hannesolivier204 Jy was net gelukkig dat daar 'n sesde span was :)

[@scottb6815]

Willie has passed his prime....he is no longer a top tier player....he needs to be replaced

[@Gumzthegod]

willie se poes

[@SCOULL1]

Most overrated player in world rugby at the moment. He hides behind most of the quality players in the Boks....Makes far too many mistakes, most inconsistent player in world rugby at the moment.....can not pass to his right hand side. Positional play very poor.

[@revenant2979]

Why not change your idiotic comment after the Boks won the 2023RWC. Also watch "Chasing the sun" in which Rassie showd Willie had a hand in every try scored. Anough said keyboardAH!🏆🏆🏆🏆🏉🏉🏉🏉

[@ca4318]

Butter fingers

[@casperkruger348]

Dont criticise somone on something you can only dream to do, no one comments on how well you flip my burger at Mcdonalds

[@longegg9892]

@@casperkruger348 man is a bok hero, he has his ups and downs, but he has still contributed a lot to the boks

[@mrobo4699]

@@longegg9892 nah mate he’s average

[@sakabula1285]

@@mrobo4699 and you..you are here talking about him..he doesnt even know you exist..

[@moegamadadams1156]

@@sakabula1285 lol what stupid comments is this...if u a bok,wearing that shirt or any international shirt comes with accountability...every fan has the right to his veiw..willies been pathetic lately...fact