Evan Roos has reflected on his “rollercoaster” journey to earning a Springbok call-up as he prepares to debut in the second Test against Wales in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
On the back of a sensational breakthrough season for the Stormers, where he earned five Vodacom United Rugby Championship accolades – including Player of the Season – as the Capetonians won the inaugural title, Roos was called up to the 43-man Springbok squad for the 2022 campaign.
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Roos appeared at Monday’s media conference, a sure sign he will feature in the match-day 23 this week as the Springboks look to build on their 32-29 victory at Loftus Versfeld.
“It is quite a rollercoaster. It has been unreal. I am just really happy to be part of this. I didn’t ever think it would happen,” said Roos on his career journey so far.
“To be sitting here is quite surreal. I just try to work hard every day and take in as much from these experienced players and this coaching staff as I can and just become a better rugby player.”
Should the 22-year-old debut, he would follow fellow rookie Elrigh Louw, who made his first appearance in a Bok jersey in Pretoria on Saturday.
While the URC rivalry between the two has been heavily hyped, Roos insists they are good friends off the field.
“Elrigh and I go back to 2019. We were in the Junior Bok squad together. Unfortunately, I didn’t go to the U20 World Cup, but we spent a lot of time together in the training camp,” Roos explained.
“Everyone builds up the rivalry between us, but we actually get on really well and are quite good mates. He is an awesome player and there is a lot I have learned from him.
“We often exchange advice and tips to become better players.”
The Springboks are expected to name the match-day 23 for the second Test against Wales on Tuesday.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
