Stormers No 8 Evan Roos against Ulster in the URC. Photo: Archives
Roos returns for Stormers, ready to reignite Springbok ambitions
Talented youngster Evan Roos will make a timely return from injury for the Stormers as he looks to earn selection for the Springboks.
Stormers No 8 Evan Roos against Ulster in the URC. Photo: Archives
Back in January, there was a real scare for Evan Roos, the Stormers and the Springboks when the young No 8 was forced off the field in the 23rd minute against Ulster, having suffered what looked to be a serious knee injury that came just after he had returned to action following a previous setback.
There were initial fears that he might have suffered a devastating ACL injury, which could have sidelined him for up to nine months and effectively ruled him out of World Cup consideration.
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Thankfully, the injury ultimately wasn’t as bad as first feared, and Roos is now set to make his comeback from the replacements bench against Munster this Saturday.
There is still going to be intense competition for places in the Springboks’ World Cup squad, with Duane Vermeulen and Jasper Wiese the frontrunners competing for the No 8 jersey, but Roos will be hoping to do enough during the latter stages of the URC to earn consideration for the global showpiece in France later this year.
REMINDER: Why the Bulls are playing at Ellis Park on Saturday
Roos will boost the Stormers’ bid to defend their URC title
Stormers coach John Dobson said that his team are looking forward to playing at home as they look to make it 20 consecutive wins at DHL Stadium.
“We have had some incredible support at home this season and we know that it will be another special atmosphere on Saturday.
“This is a great opportunity for us to build some momentum as we head towards the play-offs and with DHL Western Province playing first it promises to be another memorable double-header,” he said.
ALSO READ: Jake White makes radical suggestion for Springboks selection
How the team will line up:
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Seabelo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ernst van Rhyn, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
ALSO READ: Goosen back for Bulls as bid for Springbok selection continues
