Springbok attack coach Tony Brown shares reason behind Willie le Roux return

Le Roux was initially omitted from Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus' 33-man squad for their Rugby Championship Tests with Los Pumas in Durban and at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The veteran full-back, who has represented South Africa in 101 Tests since making his debut in 2013, was last in action for the Springboks in their 24-17 defeat against their arch rivals the All Blacks in their Round Three Rugby Championship Test at Eden Park earlier this month.

Le Roux was subsequently dropped for the following weekend's corresponding Test with New Zealand in Wellington, where the Boks bounced back with an emphatic 43-10 victory, before he was also axed for the last two Tests of this year's tournament.

However, it was revealed on Sunday that the 36-year-old will be training with the Springboks again this week following a tournament-ending injury to fellow full-back Aphelele Fassi, who has undergone ankle surgery.

Brown revealed that having Le Roux back in the squad will add value to the Springboks' training sessions as they prepare for Saturday's eagerly anticipated home Test with Los Pumas.

"Willie's a massive part of our squad. He's so experienced, especially when we've got young guys at 10 and 15," he told reporters at a press conference in Durban on Monday.

"He comes in and gives them a helping hand around preparing for a Test match of this level, understanding the game, understanding conditions.

"Him just competing against those guys at training just makes our team better and it's always good to have him in.

"Even though he's not going to play this week, his value is huge and it's always good to see him."

After four rounds of action in this year's Rugby Championship, only two points separate the four competing nations in the standings with each side winning two Tests and losing two in the competition.

Australia sit atop the table with 11 points, one ahead of South Africa and New Zealand, and two clear of Argentina.

Brown is not underestimating Los Pumas and expects a tough challenge from Felipe Contepomi's charges.

"They've beaten the All Blacks already, they've beaten Australia," he said.

"So the message to our guys is if we don't prepare as well as we can, if we don't pitch up and be as physical and dominant as possible, we're going to be put under pressure.

"So getting our game right is the massive part for us this week."

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