Powerful prop Thomas du Toit is relishing his elevated role in the Springbok setup and is eager to make another statement when South Africa face Argentina in the Rugby Championship decider at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 30-year-old front-rower, who first broke into the national side in 2018, has often had to settle for a supporting role. With the likes of Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch and Trevor Nyakane dominating selection in recent years, Du Toit’s versatility across both sides of the scrum made him a valuable squad player but rarely a first-choice starter.
That picture has shifted this season. Out of the Boks’ nine games so far, including the mid-season clash against the Barbarians, Du Toit has featured in six, starting the last four at tighthead prop. Saturday will mark his fifth consecutive start, a run that has given him the confidence to embrace his responsibilities more fully.
Embracing the Role
Reflecting on his journey, Du Toit said he has always understood his place within the squad whether coming from the bench, stepping in when needed, or now taking on a starting role.
“It’s been an incredible journey to be part of this squad and the Rugby Championship,” he explained. “To have been in that starting position the last few games has been amazing. Knowing that the guy who comes on after me, Wilco Louw, is so destructive at scrum time allows me to give everything. For however long I’m on the field 45, 50 minutes I can empty the tank. I’m really enjoying my role and grateful to the guys around me who make me feel comfortable.”
Familiar Ground at Twickenham
Du Toit’s transition has also been smoothed by his club rugby in England with Bath, which makes the Twickenham stage feel almost like home territory.
“I play my club rugby here in the UK, and we have a great support base, so for me it’s almost like a home game,” he said. “But Argentina also have a strong following here, so we’re expecting plenty of their flags in the stands.”
Springbok Focus on the Bigger Picture
The Bok enforcer was quick to stress that the team’s preparation has not changed despite the high stakes of the championship finale.
“We approach every match as a new block,” Du Toit noted. “This week was about going back to basics, sticking to our processes, and treating it like any other Test. Last week’s result is history this is a new challenge, and what happened in Durban doesn’t matter now.”
As the Boks gear up for a massive showdown at Twickenham, Du Toit’s renewed confidence and willingness to “empty the tank” highlight the growing importance of his role in green and gold.
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