Duane: How the Boks are helping Evan Roos evolve into a Test No. 8
Few players have divided opinion among Springbok fans quite like Evan Roos.
The Stormers No. 8 has consistently been one of the United Rugby Championship’s standout loose forwards, yet opportunities in the green and gold have been limited. After missing out on last year’s end-of-year tour to the UK and Europe, the debate resurfaced: is Roos good enough for Test rugby?
This weekend against Scotland, the 26-year-old has another opportunity to answer that question. And according to Springbok Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen, the issue has never been Roos’ talent.
Instead, it has been about adapting his game to the demands of Test rugby.
“Jasper Wiese has been a big stalwart for us,” Vermeulen explained.
“He gives us a great advantage getting over the gainline, but we want to give everyone in the squad a chance. This week it’s Evans’ opportunity to put up his hand.”
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Vermeulen believes Roos already possesses the physical tools to succeed at the highest level.
“If you look at Evan playing for the Stormers, he’s their big go-to guy. Hopefully he can step into that role for us as well and give us that same go-forward. His energy on the pitch is massive.”
The former Springbok No.8 revealed, however, that the coaches have spent considerable time helping Roos become a more complete player.
“We’re working on that every day,” Vermeulen said.
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“There’s a lot of work being put in behind the scenes with Tony Brown, working on the soft skills – not just with Evan, but with every player.
“Everyone plays their part in helping the guys improve the areas where they lack a bit of precision.”
Ultimately, though, Vermeulen says selection comes down to one thing: producing when the opportunity arrives.
“On the day, it has to come down to the player himself – what you can produce and what you can give to the team.
“He’s a fantastic player with a lot of energy. You can see what he does for the Stormers.
“But there’s a difference between playing URC rugby and Test-match rugby. Hopefully now he can get there and produce the goods that we’re looking for.”
