Good on you Chip
Roos has always been a class above but for some unknown reason, he does not fit into Rassie’s team environment.
We are not privy to why he is not a personality fit, for his exclusion has nothing to do with his merit as a player
If you can’t crack a Bok squad after three MOM awards in quick succession then you know it’s down to something other than rugby which is really, really sad
Let’s just hope that at some point soon this status quo changes as I’d hate to see Roos at 30 having only won a handful of test caps
Jasper Wiese is good at what he does - is power player - Roos is that and more, he is the complete athlete - speed, power, skill and aggression
Plays the power game well but equally the attacking and linking game - something we don’t get from Jasper
For me it’s a no brainer - Roos would be my starting Bok 8 right now
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If you've been following the United Rugby Championship (URC) like I have, you know the Stormers have been putting on quite a show this season. Evan Roos completely flipped my opinion: Evan Roos. I'll admit it—I never used to like him. Maybe it was his style back in the day, or perhaps I was just biased from early impressions and maybe some shitty press articles about him. But after watching him rack up three Man of the Match (MoM) performances in quick succession, I've done a full 180. His work rate, dedication in the tight play, aggression, and blistering speed have won me over. More than that, I now firmly believe Evan Roos deserves a spot in the Springbok squad. Before MPower and Mike throw stones at me, let me break it down for you—why I've changed my mind and why he's ready for the green and gold.
From Skeptic to Fan: What Turned Me Around
Let's start with the basics. He has always been a talent on paper. But for me, it took seeing him in action consistently to appreciate his growth. Those three MoM awards? They weren't flukes. In recent URC matches, Roos has been everywhere on the field, turning games with his sheer presence.
First off, his work rate is off the charts. Hedoesn't shy away from the dirty work like he used to in past seasons... and maybe that was one of his biggest downfalls. Whether it's carrying the ball into contact multiple times per game or making tackle after tackle, he's relentless. I remember one match where he seemed to be involved in every ruck, every maul—it's like he has an extra gear that keeps him going when others fade. That kind of endurance isn't just impressive; it's the kind of thing that wins championships.
He seems to thrive in the close-quarters battles where games are often decided. His ability to secure possession at the breakdown, support his teammates in scrums, and drive through defenses in the forwards is top-tier. I've seen him burrow into piles of bodies and emerge with the ball, time and again. It's not flashy, but it's effective, and it's exactly what the Stormers need to dominate in the URC.
But what really sealed the deal for me? His aggression and speed. Roos plays with a fire that's infectious—he's not afraid to throw his weight around, but he does it smartly, channeling that energy into explosive runs and bone-crunching tackles. Pair that with his surprising speed for a big fella, and you've got a player who can break lines and create opportunities out of nothing. Watching him accelerate through gaps or chase down wingers has been a highlight of the season. It's this combination that made me rethink my stance: Roos isn't just a brute; he's a complete athlete who's evolved his game.
We are world champions, and the squad is stacked with talent like Jasper Wiese and emerging stars. But Roos brings something unique that could elevate the team even further. Here's why I think he belongs in that elite group:
1. Rassie loves players who can adapt, and Roos fits the bill. He can slot in at No. 8 or even openside or blindside flank, offering depth and flexibility. With injuries and rotations always a factor in international rugby, having a guy like Roos—who's proven he can perform under pressure in the URC—would be a smart addition.
2. South African rugby is built on power, but Roos adds finesse. His aggression aligns perfectly with the Boks' "bomb squad" mentality, where forwards come off the bench to dominate the second half. Imagine him linking up with the likes of Siya Kolisi or Pieter-Steph du Toit—his speed could open up space for the backs, while his tight play ensures the forwards maintain control.
3. Those three MoM awards aren't just personal accolades; they're evidence of his ability to shine in high-stakes games. The URC is no slouch—it's competitive, physical rugby against top teams from Europe and South Africa. If Roos can excel there, he's ready for Test matches. Plus, he's already had some Bok exposure in the past.
4. Beyond stats, Roos has shown maturity. He's bounced back from setbacks, like injuries or form dips, and come out stronger. That dedication and work ethic could inspire the younger players in the Bok setup. In a team that's all about unity and resilience, Roos embodies the Springbok spirit.
Of course, selection isn't up to fans like me—it's down to coaches like Rassie Erasmus. But based on what I've seen, ignoring Roos would be a missed opportunity. He's not just good; he's Springbok material.
Changing your mind on a player isn't easy, especially when you've been vocal about your dislikes in the past (guilty as charged). But Evan Roos has earned my respect through pure performance. His work rate, tight-play dedication, aggression, and speed have transformed him from a player I overlooked to one I can't wait to watch. If the Springboks are looking to build on their legacy, Roos deserves a shot. What do you think?
Have you changed your mind on any players lately?