In the gritty world of rugby, few shine as brightly as Evan Roos, whose standout performances for the Stormers have catapulted him back into the national frame. Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger, echoing the sentiments of many, has lauded Roos for his explosive season that saw him become the URC's top try-scorer with a whopping 12 tries.
During a recent episode of the Boks Unpacked podcast, Burger didn't hold back on his praise following Roos' inclusion in Rassie Erasmus' 40-man Springbok alignment camp. "Evan Roos deserves it," Burger declared. The ex-Springbok did note that while Roos' power game is his forte, his "soft skills" could use some polishing due to occasional discipline and handling errors.
"When the Stormers are direct and he's getting over the gainline and scoring tries, that’s when the Stormers are at their best."
Roos isn't the only one turning heads; the alignment camp has thrown up several fresh faces, including Sharks utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya and Lions flank Sibabalwe Mahashe. Both newcomers have earned their stripes with stellar URC seasons, prompting Erasmus to give them a nod. Burger, particularly impressed by Siyaya, tipped the versatile back for an imminent breakthrough. "I think Siyaya at fullback gets a game somewhere," he confidently predicted.
The inclusion of these talents is part of Erasmus' broader strategy to deepen the talent pool ahead of a crucial 2026 season for the Springboks, which features 10 uncapped players in the latest squad announcement. As South Africa gears up for a massive year, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the competition for those coveted green and gold jerseys is fiercer than ever.
Burger's final words resonate with any player vying for international honors: "As a player, you want to be rewarded for playing good rugby." Indeed, for Roos and his fellow hopefuls, the journey to Springbok glory is paved with relentless hard work and the unyielding desire to improve every facet of their game.
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In the gritty world of rugby, few shine as brightly as Evan Roos, whose standout performances for the Stormers have catapulted him back into the national frame. Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger, echoing the sentiments of many, has lauded Roos for his explosive season that saw him become the URC's top try-scorer with a whopping 12 tries.
During a recent episode of the Boks Unpacked podcast, Burger didn't hold back on his praise following Roos' inclusion in Rassie Erasmus' 40-man Springbok alignment camp. "Evan Roos deserves it," Burger declared. The ex-Springbok did note that while Roos' power game is his forte, his "soft skills" could use some polishing due to occasional discipline and handling errors.
"When the Stormers are direct and he's getting over the gainline and scoring tries, that’s when the Stormers are at their best."
Roos isn't the only one turning heads; the alignment camp has thrown up several fresh faces, including Sharks utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya and Lions flank Sibabalwe Mahashe. Both newcomers have earned their stripes with stellar URC seasons, prompting Erasmus to give them a nod. Burger, particularly impressed by Siyaya, tipped the versatile back for an imminent breakthrough. "I think Siyaya at fullback gets a game somewhere," he confidently predicted.
The inclusion of these talents is part of Erasmus' broader strategy to deepen the talent pool ahead of a crucial 2026 season for the Springboks, which features 10 uncapped players in the latest squad announcement. As South Africa gears up for a massive year, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the competition for those coveted green and gold jerseys is fiercer than ever.
Burger's final words resonate with any player vying for international honors: "As a player, you want to be rewarded for playing good rugby." Indeed, for Roos and his fellow hopefuls, the journey to Springbok glory is paved with relentless hard work and the unyielding desire to improve every facet of their game.