Evan Roos says Stormers left All Blacks ‘wide-eyed’ in near-upset

Springbok No 8 Evan Roos says the All Blacks were “surprised, a bit wide-eyed” after the Stormers produced a powerful first-half display in the opening match of the Greatest Rivalry Series.

The Stormers stayed in contention for much of their meeting with New Zealand on 7 August, before the All Blacks pulled away in the final 10 minutes to secure a 38-21 victory.

Roos believes the result could have been different had the Cape-based franchise not lost both scrumhalves, Imhad Khan and Dewald Duvenhage, to injury. The Stormers were also only beginning their pre-season preparations, while New Zealand were able to finish the match strongly.

Speaking at the launch of the Stormers’ kit for the upcoming United Rugby Championship season, which begins at the end of this month, Roos reflected on the significance of their performance.

“It’s a funny one. It was the middle of pre-season, and there was nothing to play for except the win,” Roos said.

“It wasn’t a league game, quarter-final, semi-final or final.

“At half-time, I saw the All Blacks were surprised, a bit wide-eyed. I think if it wasn’t for our two scrumhalves picking up injuries, we might have pulled it through, [and] I think the result would have been different.

“That just shows you what this club means to us as a team, how special it is and what we’re capable of.

“I’m happy I have that, and I’ll take it into the next season.”

The Stormers’ showing against New Zealand came after they reached the United Rugby Championship semi-finals last season, where they were beaten by Leinster.

Roos said the team’s ambition remained unchanged as they prepared for another campaign, insisting the Stormers would continue to target success in the competition.

“The one promise I can make is that every time this team puts on a Stormers jersey, we’re not there to lose,” Roos told reporters.

“We’re there to compete and get as far as we can.

“We play every season to win the league, so that’s nothing new.

“Personally, my goal is just to keep on enjoying it. I think that worked out well last season, so I’ll stick with that.”

The Stormers will begin their URC campaign away from home in Ireland on Friday, 25 September, when they face Connacht.