Roos, Louw rock north-south derby

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There should be place for the talents of both Elrigh Louw and Evan Roos when it comes to South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup challenge.

This platform expressed amazement at Roos’ exclusion which should never be misinterpreted as a slight on Louw for inclusion of both playing a hugely influential role with 18 months still to go to the World Cup.

Bok selectors give form players the cold shoulder

However, the Bok coaches appear to have made their choice already, viewing both as specialist No 8s and back up to Duane Vermeulen and Jasper Wiese on the pretence that South Africa’s World Cup squad can’t include two 22-year-olds who would only be making their Test debuts in 2022.

We think they’ve missed a trick and can’t emphasise enough that there are 17 Test matches and 18 months to go before the World Cup in France.

Both were once against outstanding in an intense north-south derby at Cape Town Stadium in which the Stormers narrowly triumphed 19-17 over the Bulls.

Roos put aside any disappointment and played with his traditional vigour, while Louw once again showed consistency in all aspects of the game. Little could separate the two in their impact for their respective teams, as confirmed by the player statistics and their presence in what they do off the ball.

Who would you pick?

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Zelim Nel