Evan Roos’ talent is undeniable, but his temperament and lack of tactical play make him unsuitable as a Springbok starting number eight.
As for their number eight, the Springboks have always relied on a certain model—a player who combines physicality, consistency, and strategic insight.
The success of the club was greatly aided by players in this mold, such as Duane Vermeulen and Jasper Wiese.
Even so, Evan Roos defies this stereotype in spite of his obvious brilliance. The reasons why Roos might not be the best Springboks starter just yet are examined in this essay.
THE SPRINGBOK NUMBER EIGHT ARCHETYPE
Duane Vermeulen, popularly known as “Thor,” is well-known for his commanding physical presence, strong leadership qualities, and astute strategic thinking on the field.
He is a vital component of the Springbok lineup because of his ability to read the game, secure turnovers, and make critical tackles.
Jasper Wiese, who excels in both offensive and defensive carries, contributes a similar combination of strength and dependability.
He has received recognition for his work with the Leicester Tigers, winning the Players’ Player of the Year title in the Premiership.
EVAN ROOS: THE TALENTED MAVERICK
Evan Roos is undeniably talented. His explosive runs and aggressive playing style make him a formidable presence on the field.
In the United Rugby Championship (URC), Roos was a prominent player who won numerous accolades for his achievements. His ball-carrying skills and defensive play demonstrate his athleticism and passion of competition.
Roos’ fashion, meanwhile, differs significantly from the classic Springbok number eight. His style of play is defined by his amazing solo efforts, which are striking but not necessarily in accordance with the organized and methodical approach needed to compete on a global scale.
Even if blistering single runs have the power to win games, they rarely do so in competitions like the Rugby World Cup, where consistency and planning are crucial.
TEMPERAMENT AND DISCIPLINE IN THE SPRINGBOKS
Keeping your cool under duress is a vital component of being a good number eight for the Springboks. Both Vermeulen and Wiese are renowned for their composure and consistency when faced with challenging circumstances.
Conversely, Roos has experienced difficulties with his temperament. A few instances of dirty play, like needless pushing and violent conduct, have tarnished his otherwise impressive achievements.
Coaches that value consistency and stability in their teams should take note of these disciplinary issues.
TACTICAL PLAY AND HIGH BALL SKILLS
Another area where Roos falls short is his tactical play, particularly in dealing with high balls and positional awareness.
Vermeulen’s experience allows him to excel in these areas, contributing to the team’s overall defensive strategy. Wiese, too, has shown significant growth in his game intelligence and positioning.
Roos, however, still needs to develop these crucial aspects of his play to be considered a reliable starter for the Springboks.
CONCLUSION
While Evan Roos is a spectacular athlete with immense potential, he does not currently fit the mould of a Springbok starting number eight.
His explosive style and competitive edge are assets, but his lack of discipline, tactical shortcomings, and inconsistency make him a less reliable choice compared to Vermeulen and Wiese.
As a dynamic substitute who can make a difference late in a game when his flair and physicality may be game changers, Roos may be best used in this role for the time being.
Roos will need to hone his skills and concentrate on consistency, discipline, and tactical awareness if he is to succeed in the Springbok setup. Additionally, he needs to sharpen his high-ball techniques and enhance his ability to make decisions under duress.
He isn’t “that guy” for the Springboks just yet, but with the correct growth, he might play a significant role in the group’s future.
