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Evan Roos has rediscovered his love of rugby and can’t wait to get stuck into Benetton with his Stormers teammates at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who returned to action in January from a shoulder injury that kept him on the sidelines for six months, scored his sixth try of the season in the win over Connacht last week.
His red-hot form in 2025 earned the seven-cap Springbok a call-up to the first alignment camp of the year, and Roos is relishing every moment between the white lines.
“I was gone long enough that I think people forgot about me, so they’re not marking me like they used to!” the Stormers No 8 said on Tuesday. “But it’s been a smooth run back with no complications. I think the six months off [last year] did me good. I really came back motivated, rejuvenated and energised to play again.
“One of the reasons why I’m doing better than usual is because I’m really enjoying being in the moment, staying in the present, and trying to do my best for the Stormers. I’m not too worried about things in the future. I just control what I can control. The rest is not in my hands, it’s in someone else’s hands.
“Bottom line, I’m just really enjoying playing rugby again. I was gone for half a year and it does put things into perspective. I’m really blessed to be back.”
A key member of the Stormers teams that reached back-to-back URC finals, Roos has married abrasive physicality and dynamism with hard graft in the tight exchanges.
“It depends on what’s needed and what type of game it is; if it’s up close and physical, and that’s what the team needs you to do, I’ll do it,” he said. “If I need to be in the wider channels and play there, I will. Either way I enjoy what I do, it’s fun and good to be back.”
John Dobson’s charges face a stern test of their URC playoff credentials when they host Benetton at Cape Town Stadium for the first time.
The eighth-placed Stormers edged Connacht in a try-fest last week while the Italians, who are fifth on the standings, dismantled the Lions at Ellis Park. On the Benetton challenge, Roos added: “We’re expecting physicality and a lot of passion.
“They’re a quality team and have got good players who work hard so I don’t think there will be anything short of that. It’s going to be a tough match, and respect where it’s due – we’re going to have to be on our best this weekend.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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