Stormers cagey about Ollie

2008-05-05 19:43

Cape Town - The official word from the Stormers camp is that former Free State Cheetahs prop Ollie le Roux will arrive in Cape Town on Tuesday for "a visit".

Stormers media spokesperson Frikkie Erasmus said on Monday that it was not certain whether Le Roux, who has been plying his trade with Irish outfit Leinster for the past eight months, will play for the Super 14 franchise in their remaining games.

"We still have to establish if Ollie is eligible and should we reach the play-offs there will be more criteria concerns. It's premature to say that he will play for the Stormers."

However, after the Magner's League match against Newport Gwent Dragons in Dublin on Saturday Leinster coach Michael Cheika told the media at the post-match conference that Le Roux was in demand at the Stormers.

"I've been under pressure from the Stormers, who want Ollie back to play as soon as possible. It's up to him when he goes back although I don't know how he'll deal with the ELVs (experimental law variations) - he'll probably just chase around after everyone," Cheika said.

Le Roux was singled out for special mention after his major contribution in Leinster's 41-8 victory which saw the Irishmen being crowned Magner's League champions.

The 54-times capped Springbok was given a rousing send-off by the crowd who were on their feet when they sang a song that included his name, as an

acknowledgement of the two tries that he scored in the match.

Early in the game Le Roux scored twice in the space of four minutes after he took tap penalties and barged over the Dragons tryline.

Two great decisions

The feat won also acclaim from his Leinster captain Brian O'Driscoll. "Ollie was out doing his own thing but thankfully they were two great decisions and he got the tries," the Irish captain said.

Although Leinster still have one league match to play, Le Roux was granted leave to travel to Cape Town.

Le Roux told the media that the Stormers were likely to use him as cover for the props who are in short supply at the injury-hit Stormers.

In his farewell speech to Le Roux, coach Cheika was effusive in his praise.

"The contribution he's (Le Roux) made in one season, not just to our play but to the individuals in the team, has been outstanding. It was a fitting tribute from the fans."

Le Roux was also a hit with headline makers in the UK press, the best of which read: "Le Roux directs Leinster to title"

So the rugby player who last graced SA television screens as the champion hamburger eater in the Spur advertisement could be running out at Newlands against the Waratahs on Saturday.

Le Roux has always keen a keen student of the game and is an expert on scrum technique. Cheika has not failed to notice Le Roux's input at Leinster and he has hinted that his club's young props might come out to South Africa for lessons.

It's something that Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus, who was recruited from the Free State at the end of last season, will also be aware of.

One can well imagine there might well be "kyk weer" scenes with props running off the subs bench at regular intervals, just like in the days when Erasmus was the coach at the Currie Cup winning Cheetahs.

Thankfully, if that happens Le Roux will know the drill.

- SAPA