Captain Pieter-Steph du Toit says Rassie Erasmus’ rise to become the Springboks’ most-capped head coach is fitting for a man who “really, really cares” about the team and the country. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Erasmus is set to break Jake White’s record of 54 Tests as Bok head coach against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. He was also director of rugby during Jacques Nienaber’s 39-Test stint as head coach, taking the tally of Bok Tests played under Erasmus’ guidance to 93.
Du Toit, who captained South Africa for the first time after being named Erasmus’ inaugural Test skipper against Wales in Washington DC in 2018, said the milestone carries extra weight given the journey the pair have shared.
“You can’t ask for a better man than him to be able to reach what he has with this team,” Du Toit said on Friday. “As players and coaches, we are very proud of what he has achieved. Not only for us, but for the country.”
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The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year said Erasmus’s impact went beyond results on the field.
“He’s someone who really cares about the people of South Africa,” adding that the timing is made sweeter by Erasmus’ family being present at camp this week to share in the occasion.
“It’s good also to see that his family is around. Sometimes it’s tough being away from your kids, but I’m happy for him, and hopefully we can make it special for him on Saturday.”
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The captain also reflected on his own journey back from a severe health scare in 2020, one that at the time cast doubt over his rugby future. Now closing in on his 100th cap, Du Toit said he has never dwelt on how far he has come since.
“One of my strengths is I don’t think too much,” he quipped. “You don’t want to complicate matters or look too far ahead.”
He added that he draws instead on preparation and mental rehearsal to manage pressure moments on the field, saying he is simply “grateful and thankful” to still be playing at the level he is.
Du Toit, who has worn the captain’s armband intermittently since succeeding Siya Kolisi in various matches, said leading under Erasmus has never demanded anything beyond what he already believes in.
“There’s nothing extra expected of me,” he said. “It’s just to do whatever is expected on the field and lead by example.”
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As for Scotand, Du Toit expects a hard battle.
“It’s not a secret what they want to do. They’ve got a very skilful backline, and a physical loose-forward mix focused on generating momentum.
“Finn Russell is one of the best playmakers in the world. Their back three is dangerous … Kyle Steyn knows us well as South Africans, understands our DNA, and has been playing well for them.
“It’ll be a tough game. They’ll try to keep the ball in play and challenge us in the wider spaces.”
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Top five Springbok coaches by number of Tests
Rassie Erasmus: Played 54, Won 41, Drew 1, Lost 12, Win rate: 75.93%
Jake White: Played 54, Won 36, Drew 1, Lost 17, Win rate: 66.67%
Heyneke Meyer: Played 48, Won 32, Drew 2, Lost 14, Win rate 66.67%
Peter de Villiers: Played 48, Won 30, Lost: 18, Win rate: 62.5%
Jaques Nienaber: Played 39, Won 27, Lost 12, Win Rate: 69.23%
Big milestone for coach Rassie as the most capped Springbok coach
#Springboks | #forevergreenforevergold pic.twitter.com/1MFtEBGJv6
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 10, 2026
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Inaugural skipper hails record-breaking Rassie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Captain Pieter-Steph du Toit says Rassie Erasmus’ rise to become the Springboks’ most-capped head coach is fitting for a man who “really, really cares” about the team and the country.
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