Stormers centre Jonathan Roche takes on the Lions defence at Ellis Park last week. Photo: BackpagePix
This time a year ago, rookie centre Jonathan Roche was busting his way through gaps and would-be defenders in the Varsity Cup.
Fast-forward a year later, and he has busted his way into the virtual alignment camp of the Springboks next month after some stunning performances for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup.
Rassie Erasmus has invited a group of 26 players, consisting mainly of overseas-based players, as well as some talented youngsters and injured players, to the first 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 Springbok alignment camps of the year 🇿🇦🚨 pic.twitter.com/uYB7stmEZX
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 19, 2025
The 22-year-old was a surprise inclusion when head coach Rassie Erasmus announced a virtual session with overseas players based in Japan and Europe, with a couple of local guys including Roche joining the contingent on March 27.
But ever since he came in at centre from the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ruhan Nel and Damian Willemse, he’s excelled in his first real run of games in the Stormers jersey.
He’s partnered with Nel, Wandisile Simelane and more recently Dan du Plessis, who’s provided plenty of experience to guide him.
Initially, Roche was only on a junior contract with the Cape outfit and was almost not offered another deal after it expired.
But he has justified the faith the coaches put in him with some stellar performances that excites Stormers director of rugby John Dobson and his assistant coaches.
Dobson recently predicted big things from Roche, especially with the extended run he is getting as a rookie.
But not even he could foretell that the product of Bishops and the University of Cape Town would be called into a Bok alignment camp so early.
He has made three starts in six matches for the Stormers, and is set to feature more prominently over the next couple of weeks.
Nel has a long-term injury, and Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu will possibly only start playing in about a month.
Despite the challenges the Capetonians currently face as they fight to stay among the playoff contenders in the URC, Roche has been one of the light points.
Let them fight it out for two jerseys -
— Rágnár Ván Töndérsön (@Slipcatch) February 19, 2025
Damian de Allende (32) [87]
Andre Esterhuizen (30) [19]
Ethan Hooker (22) [0]
Jonathan Roche (22) [0]
Jesse Kriel (30) [79]
Lukhanyo Am (30) [42]
Henco van Wyk (23) [0]
Jurenzo Julius (20) [0]
David Kriel (25) [0]
His running lines, ability to break tackles and work at the breakdown have seen people liken him to a former UCT centre, double World Cup winner Damian de Allende, in his playing days for the Ikeys.
The rookie is also an excellent one-on-one defender, and does not shy away from contact.
Roche will rub virtual shoulders with the bulk of 18 World Cup winners during the online alignment camp. That should motivate him to push for that No 13 jersey at the Stormers for the rest of the season.
He already stepped up when the Cape side needed their youngsters to do so, and more exposure at a high level in the following weeks will only fuel the Bok ambitions of the youngster.