Red-hot Roos says his Bok career is 'in someone else's hands'
Evan Roos is well aware that his recent return to form puts him in the conversation for Springbok selection, but loose forward refuses to think that far ahead.
With untimely season-ending injuries to Jasper Wiese and Elrigh Louw, the Springboks are in the market for a specialist No 8 ahead of their arduous 16-game international season.
And there's no shortage of contenders: Roos (Stormers), Francke Horn (Lions), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Siya Kolisi and Phepsi Buthelezi (Sharks) and Kwagga Smith (TBC) to name a few.
So far in his fledgling Springbok career, Roos has earned seven Test caps between 2022 and 2024 and judging by his recent form for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, the dynamic loose forward is well-set to add to his tally.
But Roos, who only made his return to action in January after an extended period on the sidelines due to injury, refuses to be lured into any conversations about hypotheticals. Instead, his sole focus is helping the Stormers earn playoff berth now that he is in a position to do so.
'I was gone long enough that I think people forgot about me, so they're not marking me like they used to!' Roos told reporters on Tuesday.
'But it's been a smooth run back with no complications. I think the six months off [last year] did me good. I really came back motivated, rejuvenated and energised to play again,' the Springbok added.
'One of the reasons why I'm doing better than usual is because I'm really enjoying being in the moment, staying in the present, and trying to do my best for the Stormers. I'm not too worried about things in the future. I just control what I can control. The rest is not in my hands, it's in someone else's hands.
'Bottom line, I'm just really enjoying playing rugby again. I was gone for half a year and it does put things into perspective. I'm really blessed to be back.'
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 Blueskyfor the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
32 minutes ago
- The South African
Gone, but not forgotten: Joost's son shares sweet tribute
The son of the late Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen paid a touching tribute to his famous father at the Loftus Versfeld stadium last weekend. Jordan, whose mother is Amor Vittone, was a teen when the rugby player died in 2017 of motor neurone disease. The now 21-year-old is a model and rising soccer star. Last weekend, Loftus was alight with excitement for the Bulls vs Sharks URC semi-final. Jordan, representing his famous father, donned a Bulls shirt in memory of his dad's home club. The young man, who bears a striking resemblance to his dad, showed off the words 'Dad, Joost' printed across the back. The sweet tribute acknowledged Joost's home at Loftus and the number 9, which was his jersey number for both the Pretoria club and the Springboks. Jordan's mom, Amor, posted the pictures on Facebook, liking comments from her followers who claimed that Joost would be 'proud' of his son. At the time of his death in 2017, Amor and Joost were separated after 15 years of marriage. The couple also have a daughter, 18-year-old Kylie. Jordan and friends at Loftus Versfeld Stadium tonight ❤️ #rugbyleague #Loftus #game #bullsrugby Posted by Amor Vittone on Saturday 7 June 2025 The son of the late Springbok and Bulls player, Jordan van der Westhuizen, is pursuing his own path in sports. But unlike rugby legend Joost, the 21-year-old has taken up soccer. Having previously played for the Valencia youth academy as a goalkeeper, Jordan later joined the UK's Reading Academy. And he's one step closer to his goal. According to Amor Vittone, Jordan is keen to one day play for his dream club, Liverpool. Apart from his love of soccer, Jordan is also a professional model, and he has signed up with the Ice Model Agency. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
The South African
32 minutes ago
- The South African
Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach Rulani Mokwena is home in Mzansi after leaving Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. Naturally, the two-time Betway Premiership champion has been linked with Orlando Pirates, who are coachless after Jose Riveiro's departure to Al Ahly. While the Buccaneers are yet to name Riveiro's successor, Mokwena remains heavily linked with the Sea Robbers. Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns Speaking to Robert Marawa on 947, Mokwena was asked if he had gained relevant experience to return to coaching the Buccaneers. Mokwena said, 'When I coached Orlando Pirates, most of the feeling was that I had potential. There was a strong connotation from a family perspective. But now the connection is not so much from a family perspective. Rulani Mokwena and the Orlando Pirates chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza. Images: Sowetan 'Because I think the people feel that there is a lot of work that's been done from a coaching perspective. And now there's a strong feeling that, as a coach, I'm probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates, and I'm grateful for that. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: New Bafana goalkeeper Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Life moves on for Kagiso Rabada, but now calls on Proteas batters to combat Aussie speedsters
Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed his second five-wicket haul at Lord's on Wednesday. Picture: BackpagePix Image: Picture: BackpagePix LONDON: Kagiso Rabada has already delivered a special bowling performance. He may now have to double up with the bat on Thursday for the Proteas to keep going toe-to-toe with Australia in this fast-moving World Test Championship Final at Lord's. The opening two sessions belonged to Rabada and the Proteas. They had the large number of Proteas fans in the stands chanting traditional South African songs as the Aussies were blown away. 'It felt like a home game,' Rabada said. But he also admitted that the eventual Australian may have been a few too many. '212, you'll take that. But we thought probably 160 is what we should have had them at,' he said. The fact that it was that much was largely due to a non-review by the Proteas when Rabada wrapped Australia's top-scorer Beau Webster (72) on the pads when he had just eight. 'Yeah, Corbin Bosch came down to find leg and he said it was out. And I was like, oh man! Rabada sighed. 'Yeah, it was a bit annoying. He didn't start off too well there. It looked like he was going to get out any ball. But I guess his positive intent got him through. Cricket's a funny game.' It was no laughing matter, though, when Rabada's hard work was undone in the final session when the Australian seamers ran through the Proteas' top-order to leave Shukri Conrad's team at 43/4 when the stumps were drawn. Unlike Webster, and Steve Smith's (66) counter-attacking approach at the crease, the Proteas batters never threw a punch in anger as the Australian attack landed one left hook after the other. Southpaw Mitchell Starc was particularly impressive with figures of 2/10. But unlike Rabada that operated primarily in solo fashion, Starc had Pat Cummins (1/14) and Josh Hazlewood (1/10) for support. 'The ball was nipping quite a bit and at times moving off the slope quite a lot. But I still felt like batters could get in,' Rabada said. 'If you just bowled well and got more balls in the right area for a long period of time, then that's when you could create chances. They didn't miss their lengths and they bowled really well. So, we're going to have to combat that tomorrow (Thursday).' The Proteas' chances may have nose-dived in that final hour, but it remained a day to remember for Rabada for so many reasons. The fast bowler has been in the spotlight since testing for a banned substance and the spotlight was firmly on the 30-year-old to see how he would respond to the scrutiny. Independent Media's Zaahier Adams will be at Lord's for the World Test Championship bringing you all the news, videos and podcasts. Picture: Independent Media Image: Independent Media
