MARK KEOHANE sees Saturday’s clash between the Stormers and Vodacom Bulls as a stage for Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom to impress Bok boss Rassie Erasmus.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane describes No 8s Roos and Hanekom as box-office attractions, with their contrasting trajectories adding intrigue to the Vodacom URC North-South derby at Cape Town Stadium.
Once tipped as Duane Vermeulen’s successor, the Roos’ Springbok ambitions have been hampered by injury setbacks and the form of Jasper Wiese. Hanekom, meanwhile, has surged forward, making his Test debut in 2024 and delivering consistently strong performances for the Bulls.
Keohane highlights their shared Paarl Boys’ High roots, with Roos (25) the senior by two-and-a-half years, but notes that Hanekom’s rapid rise has complicated the latter’s path in the Test arena. He believes this week’s derby offers Roos a crucial opportunity to reassert himself on a big stage.
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Keohane also emphasises Cape Town’s unwavering support for the Stormers, with a sold-out stadium expected. He argues that while injuries have hampered the Capetonians, their resilience and fan loyalty remain undiminished.
“It isn’t a straight match-up, but the performances of Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom at No 8 for the Stormers and Bulls, respectively, in Cape Town on Saturday is one of the most appealing in this crunch URC local derby,” he writes.
“Roos and Hanekom, individually, are box-office attractions.
“Roos’ graph, so impressive in those first two URC seasons, has plateaued, but Saturday gives the more senior of the Boishaai old boys a rare opportunity to make a statement with Hanekom on the field at the same time.
“It is a match both players will relish and one that Bok coach Rassie Erasmus will enjoy as much, specifically because of the Roos and Hanekom presence.”
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