“I Won’t Change”: du Toit Speaks Out On Springbok Leadership And Wiese Brothers’ Triumph
Springbok stalwart Pieter-Steph du Toit says he has not changed his approach despite captaining South Africa during the recent Test series, insisting that staying true to himself has been the key to handling the added responsibility.
Du Toit has led different combinations of the Springbok side over the past few Tests, but the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year believes his role remains unchanged — to lead through his actions rather than trying to be someone he is not.
Following the Springboks’ 43-0 victory over Wales in the Nations Championship at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday, the loose forward said his focus has always been on making an impact where he is most effective.
“I would say it’s probably just to stick to what works for me and what has worked for me in the past. That’s to go out on the field and just try and get into as many battles as possible and give for the team what I can give on the field,” said Du Toit.
Du Toit explained that the Springboks have a wealth of experienced leaders, meaning there has been no need for him to alter his personality or leadership style.
“The other stuff will take care of itself. There are a lot of good players and senior players in the squad, so I don’t really have that much of a bigger role or anything to do. I’ll just carry myself the way I do,” he said.
The 33-year-old also reflected on the special occasion of brothers Jasper and Cobus Wiese playing together for the Springboks after head coach Rassie Erasmus highlighted their influence on the team.
Du Toit, who previously shared the field with his own brother, Johan, earlier in his career, understands the significance of such a moment and believes it is one the Wiese family will cherish forever.
“It’s an unbelievable privilege. My brother and I also played together in the past, so to play with a brother, I think, is a very big honour. Their parents will be incredibly proud of them,” he said.
He praised the Wiese brothers for the hard work that brought them to the international stage, noting that they had previously missed an opportunity to play together for the Springboks before finally making it a reality.
Both Jasper and Cobus delivered commanding performances. Jasper crossed for a powerful try as early as the fifth minute, while Cobus produced a tireless display that included a thunderous carry in the 12th minute, coming within inches of scoring after bulldozing his way through the Welsh defence.
“Look at the path they both came from; they worked hard to be there. They would have had the opportunity to play together last year, but things didn’t work out that way, and today things worked out beautifully to go and play together for a nice long time.”
Having completed the home leg of the Nations Championship with a flawless three-from-three record, the Springboks will now turn their attention to a demanding away clash against Argentina before welcoming old rivals New Zealand for the highly anticipated Greatest Rivalry Series.
