Opinion: Massive Springbok opportunity beckons for breakthrough star Evan Roos

On the eve of the United Rugby Championship semi-final between the Stormers and Ulster this past weekend, Springbok number eight Duane Vermeulen sat down with a wry smile as he chatted to the media. The experienced World Cup winner – always affable and engaging – thoughtfully and thoroughly answered each question thrown at him by the attending rugby ‘hacks’, and it didn’t take long for an inevitable one to come his way: “What are your thoughts on Evan Roos?”

The athletic number eight has undoubtedly been the Stormers’ breakthrough star in the URC, producing one Man of the Match performance after another. In fact, his form has been so infectious that Bok boss Rassie Erasmus broke from the tradition of avoiding singling out players when he admitted midway through the season that Roos could simply no longer be ignored at national level.

The young loose forward was duly included in the Springboks’ first squad of the year, which was unveiled on Saturday, while Vermeulen – ironically – was unavailable for selection as he takes time off to treat a niggling knee injury.

The Bok coaches will know that there are limited spots available among a trusted and experienced group of loose forwards, with Vermeulen still likely to be the incumbent at number eight when he returns to fitness. Last year, back-up was capably provided by Kwagga Smith and Jasper Wiese, but there is little doubt that Roos has done everything in his power to kick down that Bok selection door.

Vermeulen knows a competitor when he sees one, and isn’t afraid to admit he forms part of the Evan Roos admirers club.

“There’s big talk about him and he is an exceptional player,” Vermeulen acknowledges. “He plays well in the Stormers set-up and is a big ball-carrier for