Nick Mallett has voiced his belief in Evan Roos' potential to secure a regular position with the Springboks, emphasizing the need for Roos to refine his discipline and decision-making. The Stormers' number 8, Roos, is set to start in the upcoming Nations Championship game against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld, marking his ninth Test match. Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett praised Roos' inherent abilities but highlighted areas needing improvement.
“Evan Roos has all the qualities to excel internationally. His athleticism, carrying ability, defensive skills, knack for turnovers, and enthusiasm are all top-notch,” Mallett commented. However, he was quick to point out the need for Roos to temper his energy to avoid costly errors.
"We’ve got to get rid of the stupidity of the mistakes he makes because of over-exuberance."
Mallett noted that Roos has been making strides in moderating his approach to physical confrontations, potentially due to guidance from notable figures. “He’s shifting away from trying to dominate physically, which might be influenced by conversations with Rassie Erasmus and certainly John Dobson,” he observed.
Reflecting on Roos' performance in a recent match against Ulster in the Vodacom URC, Mallett described it as less than ideal, pointing out specific instances where Roos' lack of discipline was evident. “It was probably his worst performance in a Stormers jersey. There were multiple instances, including two critical moments near the try line, where his errors resulted in penalties against his team,” Mallett explained.
The former Springbok coach suggested that Roos take cues from his peers who excel in maintaining composure under pressure.
"He needs to emulate players like Paul de Villiers or Kwagga Smith, who manage to avoid penalties by staying disciplined."
Mallett emphasized the importance of learning from experienced teammates who consistently remain on the right side of the referee’s calls.As Roos prepares for his role in the upcoming international fixture, all eyes will be on his ability to integrate these lessons into his game. The match against Scotland will not only be a test of his physical capabilities but also his growth in game intelligence and discipline.