Springboks' shock omission: What's happening?
Earlier this week, the Springbok unveiled their latest squad for an alignment camp, bringing in players from far and wide – both locally and abroad – to take part in their latest season preparation.
Included in this list was former Junior Springbok Player of the Year, Juarno Augustus, who has finally forced his way onto the national radar after impressing for the Northampton Saints this season.
It comes as the Springboks are considering their options at No 8 in the absence of injured Elrigh Louw and Ruan Venter, while Jasper Wiese is another eighthman short of game-time due to a neck injury.
Considering these injuries, it was thought that Roos would automatically come into the mix, with the Stormers star having featured in two Tests at eighthman last year.
Besides other options such as asking veterans Kwagga Smith or Siya Kolisi to do a job at No 8, there has recently been a serious resurgence in form from Roos after recovering from some injury woes of his own.
After bursting onto the scene a couple of years ago with standout performances, there had been some concerns that perhaps Roos was never going to reach his full potential, but he has bounced back with some fine performances for the Stormers this season.
It does leave one to wonder why he has not been included in such an extended Springbok squad, and what boxes the national coaches feel the 25-year-old is not ticking.
Is it an off-field issue? Something to do with the technicalities of his game? Ill-discipline?
Whatever the case may be, the absence of Roos is the one major omission from the latest Springbok squad, and it will certainly be interesting to hear the reasons for this when Rassie Erasmus next speaks to the media.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.
Ticket sales
Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.
(*booking fees apply)
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