Women’s Sevens: ‘Professional’ Roos shows her pedigree

Mike Greenaway

A ray of light in an otherwise gloomy South African Sevens challenge in Vancouver last week, was the unusual feat of Bok Womens’ flyhalf Nadine Roos scoring all her team's points in the Canada Sevens.

Roos scored a try in all five matches they played (including a brace against Brazil) and kicked two conversions for a tournament tally of 34 points. She was also amongst the team's leading tacklers over all three days.

Unfortunately, it could nor prevent Roos’ team from finishing in 12th place and the Bok Women have dropped to last on the series log.

“Nadine is a true professional and her value to our team is immense,” said coach Renfred Dazel.

“Her personality is such that she wants to be a winner and always gives her best, which is quite a lot for someone with her talent.

“She also fulfils a strong leadership role in the team and that pushes the standard for other, younger players in the squad.

“She wants to compete against the best in the world and playing in the world series affords her that opportunity, so for us playing against the top sides is where she wants to be. It is great to have such a world-class player in your team.”

Mathrin Simmers, one of the team’s co-captains, shared Dazel’s sentiments on Roos after a tough weekend in Canada.

“The results did not go our way, but Nadine had a massive tournament,” said Simmers.

“She is an exceptional and clever rugby player.

“We are lucky to have her as she always gives that effort in training as well.”

The injury toll also hit the team hard, and they started the last match against Great Britain with only nine fit players.

South Africa have drawn Brazil again in Pool A at the HSBC SVNS Los Angeles next weekend, and will also face New Zealand and Fiji.

mike.greenaway@inl.co.za