Springbok fans think there should be a place for both Elrigh Louw and Evan Roos when it comes to building up to South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup title defence.
Roos was excluded from the latest Bok alignment camp, held between Sunday and Tuesday, which amazed this platform, although that 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 backup 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.
Both were once again outstanding in an intense north-south derby at Cape Town Stadium, in which the Stormers narrowly triumphed 19-17 over the Bulls.
Their performances in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have certainly convinced Springbok supporters, who have given Louw and Roos the thumbs up for higher honours.
In a poll run by SARugbymag.co.za, over 51% of the vote went to selecting both players in the next Springbok squad, while 31% favoured only selecting Roos and 15% exclusively voted for Louw.
Less than 3% of readers agreed with the decision to omit both young guns and stick with the current squad members.
