Pieter-Steph set for long run at 7
This is where Bok flank’s future is seen
THE indications from coach Rassie Erasmus is that the super fit, streamlined Pieter-Steph du Toit is set for a long run at blindside flank for the Springboks.
Du Toit has started the Boks’ last four Tests at No 7 and as soon as Jean-Luc du Preez’s name was omitted from the touring party to Europe, we had confirmation that Du Toit will be tasked with continuing where he left off in the Rugby Championship in Saturday’s tour opener against England at Twickenham, and onwards.
The loose trio that started against the All Blacks in Pretoria earlier this month comprised of Du Toit and captain Siya Kolisi on the flanks and Francois Louw at No 8.
Well, Louw is unavailable for Saturday’s Test as it falls outside the international window, but the veteran would not have been picked anyway … not with Duane Vermeulen at last back in the Bok fold after his heroics in the series win over England in June.
Erasmus will surely reinstall Vermeulen immediately, with the lighter Warren Whiteley on the bench. Vermeulen was immense against England in the Test wins in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, and Eddie Jones’ men know it.
They will fear him on Saturday because if he was so good against them on the Highveld, what damage can he do in northern-hemisphere conditions that so much suit his robust ball-carrying, aggressive rucking and muscular ball stealing?
With Vermeulen at No 8, there is no need to change anything else in the loose trio.
Kolisi hit his straps as captain of the Boks in the home and away matches against New Zealand, relishing the mobility afforded him in the No 6 jersey.
His ball carrying was superb and his breakdown play moved up a notch. In Wellington, he was at the heart of the physical challenge the Boks took to the Kiwis.
And on the other side of the scrum Du Toit was colossal. He has shed five kilograms this year to give him more speed on the flank and at 115kgs he is now the same weight as Du Preez, who can count himself unfortunate that his injury after the England series in which he had played so well has cost him so dearly
Du Toit indeed took his opportunity on the flank, the position he has said he prefers to second row, where he has played the majority of his 42 Tests although, interestingly, in the last 12 Tests that he has been in the run-on team, on 10 occasions it was at No 7.
Clearly this is where his future is seen.
In the Rugby Championship, the 26-year-old made more tackles than any other player across all four teams, confirming a work ethic and passion for the jersey that was memorably illustrated by his tearful celebrations at the end of the Wellington match.
Erasmus’ intentions regarding Du Toit were further confirmed when the coach had no hesitation of taking Lood de Jager on tour, despite the fitagain lock being so rusty.
Erasmus would have planned around not having Franco Mostert for Saturday’s Test following his move to Gloucester, and instead of moving Du Toit back to the second row to partner Eben Etzebeth, Erasmus will use RG Snyman and De Jager off the bench.