Rassie Erasmus on Evan Roos: He will play many Tests for the Boks

The rampaging No.8 has been in brilliant form for the Stormers, earning man of the match accolades in their last two United Rugby Championship clashes. This, combined with Jasper Wiese being the only traditional eighthman in the current Bok setup, should see Roos get a spot on tour.

However, this is not the case, with Roos settling for being on standby. As such, many fans took to social media to vent their frustrations at Roos' exclusion. But wily Erasmus always has his finger on the pulse of the South African rugby public and let one fan know that 25-year-old Roos is very much part of his plans for the future.

"My friend, he is a world-class player and will play many Test matches for the Boks, we just have to really good eights in Jasper and Kwagga [Smith], and in my opinion, they are still delivering at a higher level than Evan!!" tweeted the World Cup-winning coach.

"So, who to drop.️ One thing is a given, he is a Test match player and will probably make it in 2027."

In Erasmus' defence, there are seasoned Boks to consider at No.8 before Roos. Marco van Staden is in good form, the aforementioned Smith is relentless off the bench and captain Siya Kolisi has done an admirable job at the back of the scrum when called upon.

Replying to another fan questioning Smith starting at No.8, Erasmus expressed humility.

"Obviously, we are not always right, and I hear and understand what you say!! Thanks for the way you discuss these things! I appreciate it! Ras," he wrote.

Erasmus' way of engaging with the passionate public is refreshing, especially given his incredible credentials that have earned him the right to make almost any call.  

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