Evan Roos has admitted he is so excited about his inclusion in the Springboks team to face Italy in Genoa this week, that he has hardly been able to sleep.
Following last weekend’s agonising defeat against France, Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber made a host of changes to the team for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series Test against Italy. And the selection of Roos to the bench, or Bok Bomb Squad as it is known, is one of those personnel alterations.
The 22-year-old Stormers player has been South Africa’s standout No 8 at franchise level so far this season, but has been behind the likes of Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese and Kwagga Smith in the Springboks’ pecking order.
Addressing the media in the wake of his selection in the side to face the Italians, Roos said he can’t wait to add to his one-Test cap tally, which he earned when he debuted against Wales in July.
“I’m still excited and I’m struggling to sleep at night,” Roos said.
“It’s been a while since I could represent the country, so it’s always such an honour to do so. It’s awesome to be part of the Bomb Squad and mine is to bring energy, presence, and play like I normally do.
“I’m not going to try something different or new and hopefully, that’ll be enough.”
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Roos wary of Italy’s forward prowess
Roos heaped praise of Italy’s pack, saying the forwards’ contribution in the Azzurri’s wins over Samoa and Australia made a big difference to the threat they pose.
“They have a solid scrum, a good front row, and a few poaching threats,” Roos said.
“Ours [threat] as a forward pack is to get momentum and give our backs a chance to run at them.”
“We have to be up for the set piece and bring the physicality that we normally do. They have a quality pack.”
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