As the Springboks gear up for their showdown in Dublin this Saturday, prop Thomas du Toit downplays the tension, dismissing the idea of a "grudge match" against Ireland. Despite the Boks' ongoing quest for a victory at the Aviva Stadium under coach Rassie Erasmus, Du Toit remains cool-headed, especially after last year's evenly split two-Test series in South Africa.
"I think media would like to throw it that way, but we don’t see it that way," he explains. Each game is considered in isolation, with intense focus on the present week's challenge. This approach is clearly working, as Du Toit admits, "We are definitely putting a massive emphasis on this week like we’ve done for every other week."
"There’s a couple of things similar – unbelievably physical sides – but Ireland bring a more structured game, structure within structure,"
When quizzed on what sets the Irish apart from other teams like France and Italy, Du Toit applauds their strategic depth and foresight in gameplay. Ireland isn't just playing the game; they're playing a couple of phases ahead, targeting specific opponents strategically.
Despite the nuanced differences in playing styles, the Boks remain steadfast in their preparation. "It doesn’t really change anything for us. We do our homework as best we can and we adapt on the day," Du Toit states, underlining the team's adaptability.
The Boks' strategy is further enriched by insider insights from assistant coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones, both well-versed in the Irish rugby scene. Du Toit values their contributions highly: "They’ve definitely got good insights … they’ve worked with a couple of the players." This deep dive into the opponent's camp is echoed by player RG Snyman, whose current stint at Leinster provides a unique perspective on the Irish players.
"He knows the players very well … he gets coached alongside them and trains with them,"
With all the talk, strategies, and preparations laid out, the ultimate test comes this Saturday. As Du Toit succinctly puts it: "The Test is on Saturday." It's clear that for the Springboks, while the past informs, it's the present game that counts.
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As the Springboks gear up for their showdown in Dublin this Saturday, prop Thomas du Toit downplays the tension, dismissing the idea of a "grudge match" against Ireland. Despite the Boks' ongoing quest for a victory at the Aviva Stadium under coach Rassie Erasmus, Du Toit remains cool-headed, especially after last year's evenly split two-Test series in South Africa.
"I think media would like to throw it that way, but we don’t see it that way," he explains. Each game is considered in isolation, with intense focus on the present week's challenge. This approach is clearly working, as Du Toit admits, "We are definitely putting a massive emphasis on this week like we’ve done for every other week."
"There’s a couple of things similar – unbelievably physical sides – but Ireland bring a more structured game, structure within structure,"
When quizzed on what sets the Irish apart from other teams like France and Italy, Du Toit applauds their strategic depth and foresight in gameplay. Ireland isn't just playing the game; they're playing a couple of phases ahead, targeting specific opponents strategically.
Despite the nuanced differences in playing styles, the Boks remain steadfast in their preparation. "It doesn’t really change anything for us. We do our homework as best we can and we adapt on the day," Du Toit states, underlining the team's adaptability.
The Boks' strategy is further enriched by insider insights from assistant coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones, both well-versed in the Irish rugby scene. Du Toit values their contributions highly: "They’ve definitely got good insights … they’ve worked with a couple of the players." This deep dive into the opponent's camp is echoed by player RG Snyman, whose current stint at Leinster provides a unique perspective on the Irish players.
"He knows the players very well … he gets coached alongside them and trains with them,"
With all the talk, strategies, and preparations laid out, the ultimate test comes this Saturday. As Du Toit succinctly puts it: "The Test is on Saturday." It's clear that for the Springboks, while the past informs, it's the present game that counts.