CJ punts 'explosive' Evan Roos as Boks' World Cup trump card: 'I wouldn't blink picking him'

He first needs to get down to business in Saturday's URC final, but that hasn't deterred Munster legend and former Irish international CJ Stander from endorsing Evan Roos for Springbok duty in this year's World Cup in France.

It's been a challenging season for the dynamic, robust Stormers No 8 following a breakout campaign in 2021/22, which culminated in a Player of the Tournament accolade as well as three international caps.

However, a rib injury sustained against England at Twickenham and then a nasty twist of the knee, when Duane Vermeulen "croc-rolled" him out of a ruck in the Capetonians' meeting with Ulster in January, robbed Roos of game-time and the opportunity to build on last year's platform.

His return in April was unspectacular, which was perhaps understandable given that it coincided with a Stormers wobble, but he's been building an impressive head of steam in the playoffs, convincing Stander again of his value.

"For me, he is the obvious choice at No.8. He plays hard, is physical," Stander told a media call of the URC this week.

"I actually watched him play for Paarl Boys' High a few years ago and back then I already thought he's got unbelievable athletic abilities."

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Explosiveness alone though wouldn't be enough for Roos to dislodge the brilliant Jasper Wiese, fresh off being named the English Premiership's best player, or the grizzled Vermeulen as the nature of a World Cup requires players to operate in a more risk-free, attritional on-field environment.

All-round ability and a willingness to stick to some basics become imperative.

Stander argues Roos has already shown he is no one-trick pony.

"After he made his mark at junior level, he