Springbok captain Pieter-Steph du Toit believes the exuberance of youth will carry the day for the Boks when they host Scotland with a much-changed team from the one that beat England last week.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has made ten changes to his team for the second match of the Nations Championship, at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 5.40pm.
For instance, Du Toit’s 96 caps make up half of the pack’s combined tally, while Du Toit is in a loose trio with youngsters Paul de Villiers (one cap) and Evan Roos (8).
Du Toit says it helps to be part of the Springbok set-up to understand why the lesser experience in this particular Bok team does not make it weaker.
“I actually get more excitement when I look at the guys with fewer caps,” the two-time World Player of the Year said.
“I remember being in that position myself, and you go onto the field with great excitement. These guys are going out to play for the Springboks at Loftus against Scotland, and they will be full of energy and desire to prove a point, and a guy who wants to prove a point is dangerous, because he will do anything for the team.
The introverted Du Toit is an interesting choice of captain. It is not a question of his shyness, but rather about him finding time to lead the team when he is the hardest-working player on the field.
“There is no extra pressure,” he smiled. “We have such good systems, which guide us wherever we go, and the new players learn the system very quickly. I have been here for a few years and have learned from the captains before me like Siya (Kolisi).
“I strongly believe that actions speak louder than words — that is how I was brought up and that is what you want to do as Springboks, lead with actions,” the 33-year-old said. “I have always said that if you are going to do something, do it properly. Make sure you do it properly the first tie and you save yourself work down the line.”
Regarding his loose trio mates De Villiers and Roos, Du Toit said: “To get the opportunity to put on the Springbok jersey is an unbelievable honour for them, both Paul and Evan are top quality players, and you can see how much they want to play for South Africa.
“The team has a plan, and the best thing for them to do is go out and express themselves. They know exactly what to do and what is expected of them within the system, and they mustjust add a bit of X factor.”
Du Toit said his secret to his approaching century of caps for the Boks is to keep things simple.
“One of my strengths is that I try not to think too much,” he laughed. “When you overthink, you complicate matters. When you think too far ahead, you put yourself under pressure.”
