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Meyer: Le Roux brings X-factor

Cape Town - Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says newcomer Willie le Roux has that much needed X-factor they need to improve their attacking play.

The Cheetahs wing was on Saturday named as one of six newcomers in Meyer's 34-man squad ahead of the Incoming Series involving South Africa, Italy, Scotland and Samoa.

The others are Lourens Adriaanse, Trevor Nyakane (both props), Pieter “Lappies” Labuschagne (flank), Jan Serfontein (centre) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (lock), while Siya Kolisi, Arno Botha (both flanks) and Jano Vermaak (scrumhalf) are not new to the set-up but yet to play a Test.

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According to Die Burger's website, Le Roux, Du Toit, Serfontein and Adriaanse could make their debuts against Italy in Durban on Saturday, either as substitutes or in the starting team.

Meyer believes Le Roux, who can also be considered at fullback, will help add bite to the team's attack.

"Willie can bring that X-factor which we sometimes need, but there is a fine line between that and making mistakes from which you concede tries.

"I also think he can play fullback. He's been playing well the whole year and the ball is now in his court to show he can make the step up. We want to improve our back play and score more tries," said the Bok coach.

The clash at Kings Park kicks off at 17:15 on Saturday.

Springbok squad:


Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Marcell Coetzee, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Juandré Kruger, Lappies Labuschagne, Francois Louw, Beast Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Pierre Spies, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe.

Backs: Gio Aplon, Bjorn Basson, Jean de Villiers (captain), Juan de Jongh, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Zane Kirchner, Pat Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Pienaar, Jan Serfontein, Morné Steyn, Jano Vermaak.
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