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Stormers number eight Evan Roos is preparing for a ‘physical’ encounter against the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against the Bulls.
Last year’s finalist will face off in Saturday’s first playoff and, after an injury-riddled season, Roos is keen to make his mark in the same loose trio that won the competition last season.
The 23-year-old Springbok returned from injury in the penultimate round of the regular season, coming off the bench in the defeat to Munster before starting against Benetton a week later.
Back in action
Roos is enjoying an upcoming rematch from last season’s URC final and expressed concern he won’t return in time from the end of the tournament.
“It was great to be back and able to play again. At first I thought I was going to fight but it was actually cool,” he told the Stormers’ official website.
“Rehab went well and we worked very hard; I feel better every game.
“I’m just happy to run normally again, like before, and my knee doesn’t give me any problems.”
He added: “Obviously, when I got injured for the first time, I was a bit stressed out for the rest of the season; how it would turn out, how long I would be out, etc.
“But things worked out quite well and came back just in time for the end of the competition.
North-South derby
Ross is looking forward to his clash with the Bulls, a team the Stormers have a good record against in recent matchups.
The Capetonians have won their last five games against the Pretoria side, a run which includes their previous four league meetings and last season’s final.
“I’m happy to be a part of this week’s match because knockout rugby is the best kind of rugby, and it’s lekker to be in the mix,” he added.
“It’s a North-South derby and you can expect nothing less than a physical and really good match, with them bringing their A-game as always.
“The Vodacom Bulls are tough opponents and respect is due where it is due. They are a quality outfit, and it will be a show. It’s kind of why we play this game, for these kinds of moments, and the DHL Stormers and I are really looking forward to this weekend.”
Back row star
Roos has impressed in his return from injury and, ahead of their playoff clash with the Bulls, Stormers boss John Dobson will have the services of veteran defenseman Deon Fourie.
Fourie, Roos and Hacjivah Dayimani started in the loose trio that sealed the title last season and could reunite once again against the Bulls.
Fourie is fit again after an eye injury and Roos is looking forward to playing in the same row once more.
“I have to say it’s great to be reunited with Brannas and Hacjivah, it’s been a while since we last played together, and we had a good season together last year,” he said.
“It makes it even more special for the three of us to play together again in the Vodacom URC quarter-finals. I’m really sure we’ll have fun.”
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The article Evan Roos: Stormers star relishing URC playoffs and reuniting ‘special’ loose trio first appeared on Planetrugby.com.
