Duane Vermeulen has put the challenge facing Evan Roos in plain terms ahead of Saturday's Test against Scotland at Loftus: the Stormers' expansive, free-flowing game that makes Roos such a dominant figure for his franchise is almost the opposite of what the Boks demand at No.8. Vermeulen describes the Stormers' approach as 'joie de vivre, French style' — open-field, off-the-cuff — and flags that transitioning into Bok structure at Test intensity is a genuine adjustment, even for a quick learner. The piece also makes clear where Roos sits in the pecking order: despite being a franchise cornerstone, he's been playing second fiddle to Wiese's 44-cap career, and this is framed explicitly as his moment to raise his hand. Vermeulen's broader comments on a 'spoilt for choice' loose forward group — including Cameron Hanekom — add context to just how competitive the competition for those jerseys really is.
Vermeulen flags the Roos adjustment: from Stormers freedom to Bok structure
Vermeulen outlines the structural shift Roos must make from Stormers flair to Bok discipline against Scotland, while contextualising where Roos stands in a highly competitive loose forward group.
- Evan Roos
- Springboks
- Scotland
- Loftus Versfeld
- DHL Stormers
- Jasper Wiese
Papier earns first Springbok start in eight years against Scotland
Embrose Papier earns his eighth Springbok cap and first start in eight years against Scotland, rewarded for a standout Bulls season that saw him score nine tries.
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets underway in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok training squad in Johannesburg, with on-field preparations underway ahead of the 20 June double-header in Gqeberha. The Nations Championship squad is set to be announced on 21 June.
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets under way in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok camp in Johannesburg, with the Stormers players also reporting in after their URC semifinal in Ireland. The squad for the Nations Championship will be announced on 21 June.