Erasmus directly replies to confused fans over 'world class' Bok outcast

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has tipped Stormers No.8 Evan Roos to make their 2027 World Cup squad despite his current struggles to break into the team.

The last of the 25-year-old’s eight South Africa caps came from the bench against Italy in July, and he could only manage to make the standby list for the Springboks’ upcoming end-of-year tour this week.

Roos’ perpetual inability to get any game time in green has been the cause of much confusion amongst the Bok fandom, particularly with the way he has started this season. The No.8 has been one of the form players in the United Rugby Championship, scoring four tries and picking up back-to-back player of the match accolades as the Cape Town outfit have made an unbeaten start to the season.

One fan even questioned Erasmus’ decision-making online, and received a direct response from the double World Cup winning coach.

“What happened between you and Roos, oom? You need to clear the air cause this isn’t a normal situation,” they wrote on X.

My friend his a world class player and will play many test matches for the Boks, we just have to really good eights in Jasper en Kwagga and in my opinion they are still delivering at a higher level than Evan!! So who to. dropp🤷🏼‍♂️ One thing is a given he is a test match player and… https://t.co/IwFff2h8bm

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 23, 2025

“My friend,” Erasmus replied, “He’s a world class player and will play many Test matches for the Boks, we just have to really good eights in Jasper [Wiese] and Kwagga [Smith] and in my opinion they are still delivering at a higher level than Evan!! So who to drop? One thing is a given, he is a Test match player and will probably make it in 2027.”

Another fan then replied: “Kwagga is a world-class player and individual, but he hasn’t excelled in the No.8 position. With all due respect and no arrogance meant, he wouldn’t be a starting 8 for any top-tier provincial or international side. You’ve gotten this selection completely wrong.”

Erasmus then graciously replied to that fan as well, writing: “Obviously we are not always right, and I hear and understand what you say!! Thanks for the way you discuss these things! I appreciate it! Ras.”

While Erasmus admitted “we are not always right”, the fact that he has two World Cups to his name, back-to-back Rugby Championship titles and currently has the Springboks sitting at the summit of the World Rugby rankings means it is hard to argue with his judgment calls.