ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Evan Roos The Next Great Springbok Loose Forward?

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Tuesday Jun 21, 2022

ADVERTISEMENT

Having just won the inaugural United Rugby Championship Grand Final, Stormers superstar Evan Roos has found himself included in the Springbok set-up for the first.

In season jam packed with world class backrow play from around the globe, Roos was one of the standout performers alongside Ireland’s Josh van der Flier and France’s Gregory Alldritt.

Aptly compared to Springbok incumbent Duane Vermeulen, Roos has an uncompromising nature about him that has certainly added an edge to a talented Stormers pack.

The comparison to Vermeulen whilst apt does not tell the full story of just what Roos brings to the game.

Regularly found in the wide channels, he has incredible pace and footwork for such a big man whilst also possessing a high-level passing game.

Thinking back to players of yesteryear such as Bob Skinstad, Jamie Heaslip and Zinzan Brooke who were utterly magnificent as attacking threats, Roos shows traits comparable to all of them.

ADVERTISEMENT

All of the physical tools are there and evident, but it is the mental side of the game where the twenty-two-year-old appears to be the most ready for test match rugby.

That rugged edge and uncompromising element will be crucial when taking on ferocious test packs such as the French, All Blacks, Argentineans and English to name a few.

In this respect the most obvious like for like would be former Springbok enforcer Bakkies Botha who revelled in getting stuck into the opposition both physically and mentally.

ADVERTISEMENT

Of course, this can be a double-edged sword with World Rugby rightly cracking down on foul play in the name of player safety. Roos for his part has shown at times a propensity to let off the ball incidents overtake the important side of the game.

A fine line will need to drawn for Roos to ensure that he does not cost his side at key moments. This would however appear to be a manageable trait which has so far been thoroughly outweighed by his impressive body of work to date.

One thing is certain, Roos will be immensely exciting to watch at test level. For Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber he now has the enviable task selecting just three loose forwards to start from a pool of close to fifteen international standard options.

Related Articles

  • 36 WEEKS AGO

    "You're lying" - Max Lahiff calls out Springbok...

  • 39 WEEKS AGO

    Rassie Erasmus returns to former role as...

  • 57 WEEKS AGO

    "This could be our last chance" Springboks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All