Pieter-Steph du Toit says he isn’t concerned about playing in different positions in the Bok pack, but has reiterated his preference for flank.
Du Toit has been one of the Boks’ standout players throughout the year, firmly establishing himself as an integral member of the forward pack, whether it be in the second row or loose trio.
Although the 26-year-old was predominantly deployed at blindside flank during the Rugby Championship, he has slotted in at No 5 and No 4 respectively in the Boks’ opening two end-of-year Tests.
Du Toit did move back to flank for most of the second half against France last Saturday, and it’s where he is likely to start against Scotland this Saturday, with Duane Vermeulen expected to revert to No 8 in place of the injured Warren Whiteley.
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Chatting to the media in Edinburgh on Tuesday, Du Toit said he wasn’t fazed by the number on his jersey, particularly as his role generally doesn’t differ all that much.
‘It doesn’t worry me [what position I play], the coaches know what I can do, and I know what is expected of me. So I’ll always try to fulfil my role, whatever is expected of me.
‘I probably would say that I prefer playing at 7 at the moment though,’ he added. ‘It’s where I’m able to get my hands on the ball a bit more and get involved in the loose play … I’m just enjoying my rugby and the coaches have put all the right structures in place, which has really helped.’
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Although the Boks have managed to win their last five games against Scotland, Gregor Townsend’s charges are a much-improved outfit, and will come into Saturday’s clash on the back of a convincing win over Fiji.
Du Toit said they certainly expected the Scots to have a few tricks up their sleeve, and said it would be crucial for the Boks to nullify this by producing a dominant performance up front.
‘The Scots are a smart team and they’ll find a place to target us and try make the game fast to tire us out a bit. They are also very technical when it comes to contesting at lineout time and stopping the mauls, so we will need to ensure our plans are spot on.’
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Photo: Kim Ludbrook/AFP
