Did Evan Roos meet Rassie's expectations?
STAT ATTACK: Evan Roos versus Elrigh Louw is a debate that whips the fans into a frenzy as heated as the Handré Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu discourse.
While Jasper Wiese, who will start against Wales in Durban this coming Saturday, remains the benchmark for the Springbok No.8 jersey, there is a fierce battle below him in the pecking order for the back-up.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has made no bones about his preference for the 44-cap, 30-year-old Wiese.
Roos started in the 42-28 demolition job on Scotland in Pretoria this past weekend, with Louw replacing him in the 42nd minute.
Erasmus described Louw’s performance as ‘another step up’ against a team that plays with ‘real intensity’, and Louw brought the required energy after the break.
There wasn’t much that separated the two, with the numbers emphasising the intensity of the rivalry.
Roos scored a try, played 42 minutes, made six carries for 20 metres, made 11 tackles and missed just one, while conceding a penalty.
Louw also scored a try, played 38 minutes, five carries for 16 metres, made eight tackles, missed two and also conceded just one penalty.
Both are dynamic loose forwards, but the contrast in their playing styles offers the coach, Erasmus, two distinct tactical options.
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Roos (a specialist No.8) brings a similar ‘power-carrying’ game that Wiese offers and adds an explosive gainline option.
Louw (a utility forward) offers the flexibility that is so crucial to the Bok bench configuration. He is favoured as an impact player because he can cover No.8, blindside flank, and even slot into the second row during injury crises.
Roos provides raw power and momentum going forward.
Louw has a high work rate, is aggressive on defence, and has the ability to handle the tight, physical channels.
Legendary double World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen noted that Roos thrives in the freer, open, ‘French-style’ system of the Stormers.
To secure a permanent Bok starting spot, Roos must consistently adapt his explosive style to the highly structured, disciplined Test-match environment demanded by the national coaching staff.
Louw, the workhorse, fits the ‘blue-collar’ mould valued by South African selectors. His relentless tight-five support work, aggressive tackling, and line-out capability make him a natural fit for the defensive structures of the national team
Louw has 14 Test caps, and Roos has nine.
Their ‘arm-wrestle’ looks set to continue for a while yet.
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