"A Silver Lining": Evan Roos Opens Up on Shoulder Surgery and Springbok Squad Dynamics

Evan Roos speaks about his continuous battles with injury which eventually got operated on after he was omitted from The Rugby Championship.

Rassie Transparent with Players

"It’s well documented, Rassie doesn't have behind closed doors but a policy where it’s a one-on-one chat. If he has something to say, or anything in front of the whole squad. So in the meeting, he said guys should put up their hands in the next Test,” Roos told SportsBoom.com.  

“There is a plan for everyone and unfortunately I wasn't part of it. I know whatever the Boks need and want must come first, obviously sad not to be part of it. There is always a silver lining, obviously with this shoulder injury which I have been playing with for over a year. It was probably the right time to get it sorted out now."

"Rassie is trying to build squad depth, we have to use certain players in certain games and I had my chance. For someone like Elrigh [Louw] and Jasper [Wiese] coming back and it’s their chance to get their depth and experience. There is nothing bad about it with coach Rassie and his staff creating squad depth."

Image Credits: David Rogers/Getty Images

Shoulder Injury

"I had a bit of a shoulder injury throughout the season, it was bearable. I was aware of it and we managed it well. The last 3 games in the training camp [Springboks], it just flared up...it was painful. I was prepared to play through it but when I had the gap after the Ireland and Portugal games, I went to go see the specialist and he said I should've operated on it a few months ago.”

Roos who was notified by his doctor to do the surgery had to notify his club boss at the Stormer John Dobson of his injury and that he was going under the knife.

"He [Dobson] would be unhappy with any player missing out with injury. I had my knee [injury] last year, my jaw in December and now this. He feels more sorry for me and frustrated because he knows how much would've loved to play for the Stormers. Be able to represent the people of Cape Town and overall the Western Cape. Him showing that side of him shows me he cares about the players and I appreciate that from him."

Springboks vs All Blacks 2 Preview

The Springboks were riding high coming off 2 convincing wins down under and the All Blacks suffered a shock defeat before returning the favour against Argentina the following week.

The All Blacks then suffered a narrow defeat in Johannesburg, leading to an instant rematch in Cape Town this weekend.

"It’s going to be massive. I haven't had the opportunity to represent our country against New Zealand yet but what coach Rassie and the boys did well was create a good squad depth,” Roos reiterated.

The Springboks are fully prepared for New Zealand. They showed how the All Blacks are able to bounce back, they are obviously a world class team and credit where credit is due for them. After that first loss to Argentina, I knew they would come back with a bang."

"This our test as well, to be able to back up victories. We have to be able to get over that hump playing one winning and losing the second one. Coach Ras [Rassie] and the coaching staff are trying to get through is to be more dominant between World Cups as well and not just at World Cups and have a winning culture."

Leon McDonald Leaving the All Blacks

Attack coach McDonald mutually agreed to stand down as the All Blacks assistant coach. This statement came from New Zealand prior to the team departing for Johannesburg, South Africa.

"I actually watched that interview with Razor [Scott] Robertson before they flew. It was quite civil, they [Robertson and McDonald] just had different views on rugby and how it should be played. They just came to a civil agreement that it was not going to work, it didn't look grudge-like or revengeful in my eyes. I can’t speak as I'm not physically there but from the interview it looked mutual in them parting ways."

Tony Brown Factor

Brown who is from New Zealand was announced as the Attack Coach for the Springboks. Roos sheds light on his presence in the squad and impact he has had in the environment.

"Tony has been a breath of fresh air, obviously we had Felix [Jones]. He had his ways of doing things and now we have Tony who is from other part of the world and shares how they do things.”