Roos the big casualty as Springbok coach Erasmus makes tough calls for camp in the Cape

The selection of Varsity Cup “nobody” Ntokozo Makhaza and the omission of Stormers star Evan Roos from this week’s Springbok alignment camp speaks volumes about how maverick coach Rassie Erasmus views the selection landscape.

On one hand, Erasmus is signalling that he surveys all tiers of the game and that dreams can indeed come true swiftly. On the other, he reinforces that he is unafraid to make bold, unexpected decisions.

It’s a powerful message — one that tells players the South African rugby system is akin to the American Dream: full of opportunity, but ruthless when expectations aren’t met.

For Roos, the snub must come down to something beyond form, as his performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC) have been nothing short of excellent. One column headline bluntly asked: “Has Roos fallen out with Rassie?”

As Makhaza emerged as the surprise inclusion in the 54-man squad for the two-day camp starting on Thursday, Roos became the most high-profile omission — and no one seems to know why. Roos has been in superb form for the Stormers and has worked hard to correct earlier criticisms of his game, such as discipline and occasional recklessness.

The 25-year-old must feel bitterly disappointed. Since making his debut under Erasmus in 2022 during a Test against Wales in Bloemfontein, Roos has only featured sporadically: two more matches that year, two in 2023, and just two in 2024. To say he’s been underutilised is an understatement — even in a country blessed with loose-forward depth.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Ntokozo Makhaza must still be pinching himself. Having gone straight from playing for UCT Ikey Tigers in the Varsity Cup to being called into the Springbok setup — without any senior professional experience — his rise is meteoric. The Cheetahs, who recently signed him for their Currie Cup campaign, must be delighted with their unexpected windfall.

The alignment camp, scheduled for May 22 and 23 in Cape Town, includes 54 players, both locally-and overseas-based. Thirty-six will attend in person, while the remainder are expected to link in virtually, depending on availability.

The camp will involve boardroom sessions as the reigning world champions begin preparations for the 2024 international season, which kicks off with a first-ever home clash against the Barbarians on Saturday, 28 June, in Cape Town.

“This is an exciting bunch of players who have all made their mark in their respective competitions this season, and we are thrilled to invite a few talented new players to the camp,” Erasmus said in a statement.

“They have made a strong statement in big competitions, often under immense pressure, and we’re looking forward to working with them. It’s always tough to trim down the squad given the wealth of talent in South African rugby, but we’re confident this group offers the necessary balance and cover in all positions.”

Beyond the Barbarians fixture, the Springboks will also face Georgia and Italy in incoming Test matches, before entering the Rugby Championship.

“The coaches and management staff have been working around the clock to ensure that we’re as prepared as possible for what will be a challenging season. All operational and logistical elements are in place, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.”

Players invited to the Springbok alignment camp

Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouché (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Players invited to virtual Springbok camp

Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets).

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier).