Willie le Roux's flyhalf experiment: Time for a change?

The Bulls will have to deal with their flyhalf conundrum decisively as the Lions loom large at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.

While his availability is still up in the air after a tight groin saw him replaced in the 29-19 loss to the Sharks this past weekend, the experiment of Willie le Roux in the 10-jersey looks to be not bearing fruit.

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After two matches, it's safe to say that Le Roux should probably move back to fullback, and it may be time for the Bulls to back Boeta Chamberlain, who joined them to provide depth at 10.

There is no denying the 98-capped Bok's ability to get his side on the front foot, especially on the attack. But, in the past two matches, he arguably didn't deliver the performances expected. On both occasions, he was the general behind a pack of forwards that gained the ascendancy with their scrums and rolling mauls.

Yet, his prowess as an attacker never came to the fore and they could not capitalise on any attacks.

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Ahead of a crucial home Jukskei derby awaiting the Pretoria side, it is maybe time for director of rugby Jake White to shift Le Roux back to fullback. Replaced as a precaution against the Sharks, should the Bok be available, his abilities from the back could better suit the team.

He didn't just fail to provide that attacking spark in the 10-jersey despite the forwards dominating, but the Sharks managed to exploit his defensive frailties in that channel.

The Lions will have taken note of this. Hard-running loose forwards Ruan Venter and Francke Horn and centres Marius Louw and Henco van Wyk will be licking their lips at the prospect of having Le Roux there and targeting that first-receiver channel.

Chamberlain is a specialist flyhalf who can kick at goal and touch and has that attacking instinct to get the Bulls running when on the front foot. Having Le Roux double up as a first-receiver in the 15 jersey could also bring his mojo back.

Regular flyhalf Johan Goosen is out for an extended period and it's probably time for the Loftus side to find some consistency at flyhalf with Chamberlain looking at future games.

While Goosen should be back for the play-offs, it will help the team's cause if they have a set backup flyhalf available who's had regular playing time in the lead-up to the knockouts.