'I've been waiting for this': Roigard on 'finally' getting another crack at Boks

A run of poorly timed injuries has kept Cam Roigard from lacing up his boots in the famous All Blacks v Springboks rivalry for every showdown since his debut season, with just a brief showing off the bench in his rookie year the exception. This weekend at Ellis Park, the star halfback will finally get his shot at the world champs.

Roigard’s lone showing against South Africa came in a historic defeat at Twickenham ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Then just 22 years of age, the rising star produced a brilliant solo effort try, one that saved his side from a historic goose egg.

Fit at long last and selected to start in his familiar No.9 jersey, Roigard says his Springboks sequel has been a long time coming.

“It’s a pretty awesome opportunity to finally play them at their home,” Roigard told reporters in Johannesburg. “I missed an opportunity in 2024 because of injury and then didn’t get to play them again last year in New Zealand because of injury again.

“So I’ve been waiting a few years for this opportunity, and to be able to take it on Saturday, I’m just massively excited, and I think that’s the whole feeling around the camp.”

A tight calf saw Roigard drop out of the team to play the Sharks last week and looked as though it might cruelly postpone his selection against the Boks once again, but the halfback says he is fit and firing.

“I’m feeling pretty confident and had a good week so far. It’s been feeling mint, no issues, so as far as I’m aware I’m back 100 per cent.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

10 - 17

43 - 0

42 - 28

45 - 21

80 - 31

19 - 50

0 - 54

21 - 38

40 - 21

47 - 17

5

Wins

5

5

Streak

5

34

Tries Scored

35

137

Points Difference

151

4/5

First Try

4/5

4/5

First Points

4/5

4/5

Race To 10 Points

4/5

The Springboks have scored 147 points in their four Tests to begin 2026 and have conceded just 59, including keeping Wales to a nil scoreline to cap an unbeaten July. The All Blacks’ attack has shown how dangerous it can be when generating the pace that new head coach Dave Rennie has been asking for, but Roigard knows it’ll take a composed performance to outgun South Africa.

“You’re obviously not going to force opportunities, because then it’ll turn into the wrong one,” he said. “But I feel like if we get our physicality right at the breakdown, then we can generate some fast ball and there might be opportunities whether it’s for myself or out wide.

“We’ve got solutions if we need to change our plan on the run. We’ve got a lot of experience throughout the team, one to 23.

“We’re going to be challenged in many ways on Saturday night, and I guess it’ll be whoever can adjust accordingly the quickest, and if it is playing what’s in front of you or changing the game plan on the run, then I feel like that’ll decide who will come out on top.”

Roigard will face Grant Williams as the Springboks’ starting halfback on Saturday evening, with Cobus Reinach selected on the bench.

When asked whether he sees any similarities between his game and his opponents’, Roigard highlighted how his counterparts “trust their instincts” and don’t hesitate when they spy an opportunity. He also commended their “anticipation”, noting their ability to get “second touches and score a few tries as well”.

Sharing what else he’s noticed about the opposing nines, Roigard said: “Just how athletic they are, firstly. They’re pretty fast; they’ll back themselves when they see half a gap as well. So probably not so much for me to be aware of that, but our forwards as well. If they get quick ball and they get a corner clean, then he’ll be straight through. So even off the scrum, you’ve got to be aware of that as well.

“Their strength is obviously their kicking, so if they have a strong platform to put contestable kicks up, then it’s going to put us under a lot of pressure as well. We’ve got a plan to hopefully negate that as much as possible, but I guess the nature of playing the Springboks and playing at this level is you’re going up against the best.

“They’re both top-quality players, it’s just pretty exciting to be able to go up against them.”