Le Roux in the mix

Bernard le Roux's love for khakis and hunting have endured despite having spent the past nine years surrounded by Paris's haute couture.

The Racing92 flanker is back in South Africa and this time, for the first time, he has in his cross hairs the Springboks, who confirmed yesterday that they will be without Duane Vermeulen for the three-Test series.

Le Roux, who like former prop Pieter de Villiers was born in the Swartland before going on to represent France, is by no means conflicted about playing the Springboks.

Truth is, he is relishing it in the build-up to the first Test at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

"I've been dreaming about it. I've played about 30 Tests but haven't played the Boks yet, so it is a big challenge for me."