Rassie Erasmus breaks silence on controversial Springbok selection debate

Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 09:19

byCharlie Elliott

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has taken to social media to clear the air over selection decisions for South Africa’s end-of-year tour — particularly around the hotly debated No.8 position.

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The ongoing discussion was reignited this week after Evan Roos, the dynamic Stormers loose forward, was left out of the Springbok touring squad set to face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales in November.

Roos has been in impressive form during the opening stages of the United Rugby Championship, scoring four tries and standing out as one of the Stormers’ most influential players. Despite his performances, he was only named on the 10-man standby list, prompting frustration from fans who sought clarification from Erasmus online.

One supporter on X (formerly Twitter) asked:

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

Erasmus responded directly, writing:

“My friend he is 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.”

Rassie Erasmus

@RassieRugby

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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

Brice

@rvcbrice

what happened between you and Roos, oom? You need to clear the air cause this isn’t a normal situation

4:15 AM · Oct 23, 2025

1.3K

Read 98 replies

Another fan challenged the Bok boss’s selection logic, arguing that Kwagga Smith was not a natural fit for the position:

“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, however, responded calmly and appreciatively:

“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.”

Rassie Erasmus

@RassieRugby

·Follow

Obviosly 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

4:37 AM · Oct 23, 2025

571

Read 66 replies

The Springboks will kick off their end-of-year tour on November 1 when they take on Japan at Wembley Stadium, before continuing a demanding run of fixtures across Europe.