Captain Du Toit calls on Springboks to elevate defence against All Blacks
· Citizen
Springbok captain Pieter-Steph du Toit identified set-pieces and defence as areas the All Blacks will target during their first Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.
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The teams clash in the first of four Tests in the series, after the All Blacks beat the Stormers 38-21 in Cape Town, the Sharks 54-0 in Durban and the Bulls 50-19 in Pretoria in the build-up.
Du Toit, who is captaining the Springboks in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who is nursing a hamstring injury, said it was an honour to lead the side against their historic rivals at the venue where South Africa won the 1995 World Cup final against them.
“I never dreamed about playing against the All Blacks in four straight games, or in a competition where it’s called Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry,” he said of New Zealand’s first full-length tour to South Africa in 30 years.
“I think the supporters in South Africa and rugby overall will benefit from this tournament.”
Springboks brace for All Black attack
When asked where he thinks the battles will be, he said New Zealand would hope to carry their intensity from the Nations Championship and those three club matches to the four Tests.
“We really believe the lineouts and scrums are where we will have to perform well, where they will try and test us.
“[Then], at certain points where New Zealand will try and find gaps, where the forwards normally switch off.
“We know they are quite fast and skilful players, so they will definitely try and exploit us and come with good plans. So it’s to try and stay awake, and not get caught out.”
Paul de Villiers will play his fourth Test when the Springboks host the All Blacks at Ellis Park. Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo ImagesDu Toit excited for Paul de Villiers
Du Toit added that he was excited for fellow flanker Paul de Villiers to play his fourth Test match.
“One of his strengths is his fitness. He has good speed as well, and is very strong. Especially when he is over the ball.
“I think he brings a different strength when it comes to the breakdown.”
This is an area the Springboks have especially prepared for, with the All Blacks lately seen to tuck their shoulders going into cleanouts.
Du Toit added that De Villiers, who captain the Junior Springboks in 2023, communicated well and behaved on the field like he had played for the senior national side for a long time.
“I think he is very comfortable in his body and position, who he is as a person. He is who he is in the Springbok team and I think that is why he is doing so well.”