In many ways, the curious case of Evan Roos only continues at Springbok level.
A couple of seasons ago, the Stormers star was seen as one of the hottest properties in South African rugby after producing one rousing performance after another.
In fact, his first foray with the Springboks came back in 2022, at the age of 22, but his international career has been decidedly stop-start since then.
In 2023, he managed just two appearances off the bench, while last year the big loose forward started twice – but against ‘weaker’ opposition (namely Wales and Portugal).
There is no doubt that Roos’ form and fitness has fluctuated during that period, but now at the age of 25, one has to wonder when his Test career might finally take off, particularly for a player as talented as he undoubtedly is.
At times, there have been questions over his discipline, temperament and willingness to really do the hard yards rather than just the flashy stuff, but none of these ‘weaknesses’ appear to be ‘uncoachable’. And yet he just hasn’t been able to remain in favour with the Springboks.
Earlier this season, Roos was omitted from a wider Springbok group, and then called up after several players became unavailable at No 8, but his only Test appearance came off the bench in the second Test against Italy. Not long after, he was again released.
With the likes of Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom and Jasper Wiese all unavailable, the Springboks have still given preference to moving other players into an ‘unfamiliar’ role at No 8 – from Siya Kolisi to Cobus Wiese to Kwagga Smith.
Roos, a specialist No 8, has remained on the outskirts.
It’s not abundantly clear just what the Springbok coaches feel he is missing, but when looking at the squad that has headed to New Zealand for the next Test against the All Blacks, it will be Jean-Luc du Preez, Kolisi or Smith who will have to don the No 8 jersey (Jasper Wiese is only available for the second Test in Wellington).
Back in South Africa, Roos has turned his attention back to the Stormers and the need to once again prove a point at domestic level. A curios case indeed.
Evan Roos is still ‘missing’ from the latest Springbok squad:
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.
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