Pieter-Steph du Toit insists the Springboks must be switched on to the threat from the All Blacks on Saturday, in what the skipper expects will be a fast and furious encounter.
Captaining the Boks for the fourth time this season in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi, Du Toit will lead the world champions into the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park.
Fronting the media in Joburg on Friday, Du Toit stressed the need for the Boks to stay alert against an All Blacks side he expects to bring plenty of energy and attacking variety.
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“We know New Zealand are going to bring intensity, and we believe the lineouts and the scrums are going to be something where we’re going to have to perform well,” the blindside flanker said.
“They’re fast and skilful players, so they’re going to try and exploit this and come with good plans. So I would probably just try and stay awake and don’t get caught out.”
This weekend’s action will kick off four clashes between South Africa and New Zealand, across three cities and two continents.
“It’s the first time I’ve done a tournament like this, especially with New Zealand and South Africa,” Du Toit said. “It’s a massive privilege to be able to play against them again, especially at Ellis Park.”
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The scale of the series has not been lost on the Boks, although Du Toit insists their attention remains firmly on Saturday’s Test.
“It’s impossible not to know about this wonderful series we’re going into and what’s going on around it, all the noise and the build-up to this series,” he said.
“I never dreamed about playing against the All Blacks for four straight games or in a competition called Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. The supporters of South Africa, and rugby overall, will benefit from this tournament.
“What happens on Saturday is probably the main thing, and that’s what we prepare for.”
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Two caps shy of his Test century, Du Toit will also share the occasion with fellow two-time World Cup winner and veteran centre Damian de Allende, who will become the 10th Bok centurion.
“To see Damian playing 100 Test matches for the Springboks is an unbelievable honour,” said Du Toit.
“I remember the first time I watched him when he played for the Stormers. He played wing and I just saw this guy as a beast, especially the way he carried the ball and was on defence.
“I’ve got so much respect for him, the way he carries himself on the field and off the field and how he’s grown as a person.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Getty Images
The post PSDT wide awake for Greatest Rivalry dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Pieter-Steph du Toit insists the Springboks must be switched on to the threat from the All Blacks on Saturday, in what the skipper expects will be a fast and furious encounter.
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