Ahead of the crunch United Rugby Championship (URC) clash between Leinster and the Bulls, full-back Jordan Larmour has revealed that Springboks great Willie le Roux is a player who he “looks up to”.
Larmour is primed to return to the Leinster matchday squad this weekend after featuring twice for Ireland during their successful Six Nations campaign.
In doing so, he is likely to come up against double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok full-back Le Roux, who Larmour believes “ticks all the boxes as a 15”.
Jordan Larmour v Willie le Roux
The Friday night clash at the RDS is a mouth-watering top-of-the-table meeting – which provides the Bulls the opportunity to replace Leinster in first place.
Larmour heads into the game off the back of featuring as a replacement in Ireland’s Six Nations match against Italy before being a last-minute substitute for Hugo Keenan in the Super Saturday clash against Scotland.
Regarding Le Roux, he put on an offensive masterclass during the Bulls’ victory over Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade over the weekend, earning him Player of the Match honors.
He is a fantastic athlete. Le Roux kind of checks all the boxes as a 15,” Larmour remarked.
As a child, I used to watch Ireland and the Lions play South Africa, and I always looked up to him. He is a fantastic defender, a wonderful attacker, and excellent under the high ball. He possesses every quality of a great 15.
Therefore, it would be awesome if I could play against him this weekend. He’s undoubtedly a player I admire.
Representing Ireland again
Larmour’s late call as Keenan’s replacement against Scotland was his first start in the Ireland jersey since 2021.
“I got the nod late, but I kind of knew in the back of my head I could have a chance because Hugo was carrying a small knock,” said the 26-year-old.
“I didn’t really have time to think about anything when I got the call; I just jumped right in. It was almost time for the warm-up.
I made an effort to follow Andy Farrell’s advice to “go out and back yourself, do your thing, and fully commit to it.” It was a wonderful way to end the week and a tremendous experience to be a part of.
“I still want to be an Irish player. It was nice to have that taste for international rugby again after three years, and after coming off the bench against Italy, all I wanted was more.
“It was really special to start a game and finish the way we did.”
A “buzz” to front up against the Bulls
The outside back says there is a “buzz” in the Leinster camp as the Ireland internationals return from Test duty ahead of the highly-anticipated clash against the South African side.
Larmour adds that they are wary of the threats that the Bulls pose with all their attacking weapons with Le Roux featuring in a backline along with fellow Springboks and World Cup winners Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
“There’s a real buzz in the camp,” said the Dubliner.
“We have watched a good bit of the Bulls, and they have attacking threats all over the field.
Then, they play defense with a lot of line speed and force. In an effort to slow down the ruck, they fiercely compete at the breakdown. Thus, it will be a true test for us.
However, it’s one that greatly thrills you. We’re playing second, with not too many points separating us. This will be a big game.
He went on, “Every game I have played there on a Friday night under the lights, the place has been rocking.” This gives you an idea of the kind of occasion it will be at the RDS.
Everyone emerges. When it’s full and the supporters are all there to support us, it’s an amazing location to play. It’s just such a wonderful buzz, so I’m excited about that.
