Evan Roos: ‘Now the Springboks can attack properly’

Springboks number eight Evan Roos has hailed the influence of Tony Brown on the Springboks set-up during the 2024 Test season.

The New Zealander was brought in by Rassie Erasmus following their Rugby World Cup triumph in an attempt to improve their attack.

Although South Africa claimed the title with a 12-11 triumph in the showpiece event, the head coach is continually finding ways to develop this side.

Expanding their game

Erasmus wants them to have more variety in their game ahead of the global tournament in Australia in 2027 and so far the signs are promising.

Despite the narrow 25-24 defeat to Ireland, they have played some excellent rugby with Brown bringing some different ideas to the set-up.

The Boks’ primary strengths of set-piece, kicking and defence will remain a focal point, but having an extra string to their bow will aid them in the long-term.

Roos, who featured in the mid-year series, was appearing on the Boks Office podcast and proclaimed: “Now we can attack properly.”

That statement came after ex-international Robbie Fleck spoke about South Africa’s improvement in their attacking game.

“Isn’t it great to see that now the Springboks have got a plan B? We’ve always been, ‘this is how we are, and we just kick and defend’, but that’s not the case anymore.” he said.

Springboks ‘have to stay calm’ in the face of Wallabies’ gamesmanship tactics

Roos also gave some insight into why their attack has developed, praising the likes of Manie Libbok and Willie le Roux for their ability to open space up.

While the tactics have changed slightly, the Boks are benefiting from producing creative players who like to play flat to the line

The powerhouse back-row has played regularly with the fly-half at the Stormers and understands how the 27-year-old operates.

“Especially with Manie and playing with him at the Stormers and now at the Boks – Willie as well – you just make sure you put yourself in a possible space to receive the ball,” he said.

“They’re going to do their thing, they’re going to work their magic, you just make sure you put yourself in the right spot.

“I usually communicate with them, ‘they’re going to kick back on us, are we countering? Where do you want me? Do you want me to go straight edge? Do you want me to stay in the middle with you?’ Offer a line, keep my depth, all these things.

“They’re very good, especially Manie, in communicating that. Manie knows exactly what he wants and he will tell you, and he will tell the coaches, ‘listen, this is what I want from box-kick counter, long drive counter, this is where I want guys running.’”

Different type of fly-half

While Libbok is out of the Springboks reckoning at the moment, talented ball player Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been handed the reins for the Wallabies clash.

It hints at the type of player Erasmus is looking for at fly-half as they seek to become a greater threat in attack and, for Roos, that is something he relishes.

“I enjoy that, I enjoy that aspect of attacking rugby and taking it to the line, and Manie does that brilliantly,” he added.

“Tony’s really brought that in, getting us playing on the line, in their faces and then it starts getting quick. It’s really fun playing that kind of rugby.

“As a pack of forwards, it makes it easy, and I promise you Manie loves playing off that.”

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