There is no doubt that Evan Roos is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in South African rugby, but ever since making his Test debut in 2022, he has only featured in eight Springbok games under Rassie Erasmus.
In fairness, Roos has battled to make the same impact at international level as he has at the Stormers, but many fans have wondered where the real issue lies.
Erasmus has previously said it has nothing to do with any rumoured personal or off-field issues, and the Springbok coach again took to social media this week to refute any untoward problems.
On X, a social media user asked Erasmus: “What happened between you and Roos, Oom? You need to clear the air cause this isn’t a normal situation.”
Quite unusually, Erasmus was only too happy to use a public platform to address this question.
“My friend, he’s a world-class player and will play many Test matches for the Boks, we just have two really good eights in Jasper (Wiese) and Kwagga (Smith) and in my opinion they are still delivering at a higher level than Evan! So who to drop? One thing is a given, he is a Test match player and will probably make it in 2027.”
Rassie Erasmus continued to address the Evan Roos question
Another X user continued the conversation, stating: “Kwagga is a world-class player and individual, but he hasn’t excelled in the No 8 position. With all due respect and no arrogance meant, he wouldn’t be a starting 8 for any top-tier provincial or international side. You’ve gotten this selection completely wrong.”
Unbothered, Erasmus replied: “Obviously we are not always right,and I hear and understand what you say! Thanks for the way you discuss these things! I appreciate it! Ras.”
Roos is currently part of the ‘standby’ list for the Springboks’ end-of-year tour, but Jasper Wiese, Smith and Siya Kolisi will continue to cover No 8 during the November Tests.
TOURING SQUAD:
Forwards – Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs – Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Standby players
Forwards – Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouché, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs – Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi.
