Willie le Roux slammed for 'classless' act after South Africa victory at World Cup
Rugby World Cup fans are divided over the star's controversial act.
South African veteran Willie le Roux has been called out after a 'classless' post-match act only seconds after the final whistle that saw the reigning champions defeat England to reach the World Cup final. A late Handre Pollard penalty gave South Africa a 16-15 victory over a spirited English side during a semi-final where tensions boiled.
England have been known to ruffle the feathers of rival teams over the years and their surprise physicality battle with the 'Bomb Squad' appeared to frustrate South Africa. A number of push and shoves broke out during the match and one eventuated only seconds after the final whistle.
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While Owen Farrell appeared to claim it was a misunderstanding, footage shows le Roux caused quite the stir. A knock-on in the final seconds saw South Africa defeat England and the fullback was removed in the defensive line as the moment unfolded.
And only seconds after the whistle, le Roux sprinted over into the England players' faces and jumped up in to the air in celebration. A scuffle broke out as the players ran in after the final whistle and le Roux's actions have divided fans.
Many felt England's celebrations at every penalty and little win caused the anger between the players. While others accused le Roux's celebrations as 'classless' in victory after England's devastation at missing out at reaching the World Cup final.
This footage of Willie Le Roux is classless.
No gripes about the result. One of those things.
But Le Roux’s behaviour was rank 🤮 https://t.co/IcmxP9akXS— Lineout Nause (@LineoutNause) October 22, 2023
— kleva (@mbaliagoat) October 22, 2023
Poor sportmanship from Willie le Roux. Pathetic
— henk (@chillpep) October 23, 2023
Willie giving back what the poms were dishing through the 70 minutes of their dominance.
— Sean Dhlamini (@simthesisss) October 22, 2023
Willie le Roux you helmet.pic.twitter.com/uDdBmZDqjw
— Andy Rowe (@AndyRoweOnline) October 23, 2023
South Africa set-up All Blacks World Cup showdown
England stunned South Africa early and matched their physicality as they were leading 15-6 with under half an hour to play. South Africa fought back when replacement lock RG Snyman scored and started the comeback with just over 10 minutes to go. The try was converted and left them trailing 15-13.
With the clock ticking down the Boks won a scrum near halfway and replacement props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch set themselves for a huge heave. The scrum went sideways and South Africa was awarded a penalty.
Pollard nailed the highest of pressure conversions to put them ahead and they clung on in the closing seconds for a dramatic victory. South African coach Jacques Nienaber, who will leave after the World Cup, looked visibly relieved as the final whistle blew and the Springboks erupted into celebration.
Pollard was full of praise for England after converting the high-pressure winner in the final moments of the semi-final. "It's unbelievable, it's a lot of relief in this moment," he said after the match.
"We knew we had so much more to give but fair play to England, I think they put us under pressure in exactly the right areas. But jeez the fight we showed never giving up, it is what we stand for as a team and as a nation."
Reigning champions South Africa will now take on the fast-finishing All Blacks in a blockbuster all-Southern Hemisphere final.
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