Roos the big casualty as Erasmus makes tough calls

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.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

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?”