The match between the two old rivals will be the only United Rugby Championship game this weekend due to the second round of the Six Nations.

The Bulls have hinted that they may field the highly experienced Le Roux at flyhalf due to injury concerns in the position.

The Stormers’ assistant coach, Norman Laker, said the former Cheetah, Le Roux, is always a dangerous player.

“Firstly, Willie’s from the Strand, and he went to Paul Roos – there’s only talented people from the Strand and Paul Roos, so I’m sure he can play ten,” Laker said, laughing.

“He’s a world-class rugby player. He started out on the wing for the Boks, then moved to 15, and has played 98 Test matches – that’s just phenomenal.

“I think he and Percy Montgomery share the record for most-capped Springbok fullback in history with 80 caps apiece.

“With his experience as a first receiver – he’s played a lot in that role for the Springboks – his distribution and tactical kicking are both excellent, and he has a calming influence.”

Despite the Bulls having to reshuffle their lineup and being without some influential names in their squad, Laker downplayed the notion of the team from the capital city being weakened.

Sergeal Petersen - Morgan Piek

“If you think about what Sergeal Petersen did in that semi-final against Leinster by pulling the ball out of the air to score the try that got them into the final, let’s not say he’s a weaker winger.

“He is playing phenomenal rugby at the moment.”

The Stormers’ woes this season with injuries to Springboks are well-documented, with the latest casualty being the World Cup-winning flyhalf Manie Libbok.

The Bulls, in their own right, are short on Springboks, with their latest addition to the injury list being captain Ruan Nortjé and big ball-carrier Elrigh Louw.

Saturday’s North-South derby at the Cape Town Stadium will kick off at 14:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport