Peter-Steph du Toit, who served as the reserve captain for the Springboks, shared his impressions of seeing brothers Kobus and Jasper Wieße play together for South Africa for the first time. He called this moment special after the world champions secured a convincing 43-0 victory over Wales in the Nations Championship at Kings Park on Saturday.
The combination of the Wieße brothers immediately had a strong impact on the game: Kobus made a powerful run through the center of the field, then passed the ball to Jasper, who scored the first try less than five minutes into the match.
Du Toit, who previously played alongside his brother Johan, understands the significance of this event. He noted: 'I think it is an incredible privilege because I also played with my brother in the past.' He added that the opportunity to play with brothers for the Springboks is a huge honor, and the brothers' parents, as well as the brothers themselves, should be proud of each other.
Du Toit emphasized that both Wieße brothers put forth tremendous effort to reach their level. He mentioned that they had the chance to play together last year, but circumstances were different, and today it finally happened.
Despite Du Toit leading a different starting lineup in each of the three Springboks games in the Nations Championship, he stated that his leadership style remained unchanged. He explained that he tries to stick to what works for him: 'I just try to stick to what works for me. I go out there, participate in as many battles as possible, and give everything I can. We have many experienced players in this squad, so I don't feel the need to change who I am.'
Springboks are now shifting their focus to Argentina, where they will begin the away leg of their Nations Championship campaign before facing their greatest rugby rivalry against New Zealand in subsequent matches.
Peter-Steph du Toit is once again taking on the role of captain of the Springboks team in the match against Wales, which is taking place in Durban. His leadership is particularly relevant given the team's past difficulties against Welsh players, which will likely serve as a lesson against complacency.
Du Toit has a long history with Wales: at the age of twenty-one, he debuted against Wales in Cardiff in 2013. At that time, the Boks won with a score of 24-17. However, in the same Cardiff in 2016, when he played as a lock, the team lost 27-13. This was followed by two more defeats: in Cardiff in 2017 and in Washington in 2018. The latter match was the first for the Boks under Rassie Erasmus and Du Toit's first match as captain.
After eight years, Du Toit is captaining the Springboks again in the game against Wales, and it is clear that he does not want to repeat past failures against tenacious Welsh players. Boks assistant coach Mzwandile Stik accompanied Du Toit through most of his ups and downs in the confrontation with Wales.
Mzwandile Stik noted how incredible events unfold, recalling the 2018 match in Washington when Peter-Steph was captain. Although that game ended in a loss, he emphasized how the situation has changed now. He also mentioned that Peter-Steph, who now has 98 matches for the Boks, has been twice named Player of the Year by World Rugby (in 2019 and 2014).
According to Stik, Du Toit doesn't need to say anything because the players know that he is ready to risk his body for his country; they have seen him get injured in his shoulders and knees, and follow him without hesitation.
During the press conference on Friday, Du Toit, who prefers to avoid talking about himself, focused on the young players integrating into the Boks system. Wusi Moyo (20) and Jaco Williams (21) will debut in the evening match.
Du Toit stated that many new people have joined the team this season. They came with an open mind and quickly adapted to the team's methods, systems, and playing style, as well as expectations. Most importantly, in his opinion, is seeing their enthusiasm and desire to learn and deliver results. They want to wear the jersey.
He added that the opportunity to play at Kings Park is an incredible honor and privilege, and he is confident that they will give everything they can. Among the newcomers is also 24-year-old backline player Paul de Villiers, who debuted against England and then enhanced his debut against Scotland.
Du Toit noted that Paul joined the squad as a young player with confidence after a great season with the Stormers. He brought good ideas and was not afraid to share them, providing valuable experience from the Stormers that could be used in the Boks. He also emphasized that Paul demonstrates one hundred percent commitment and a strong desire to play for the Springboks, fully embracing the team's philosophy, and is an outstanding athlete who ranked first in physical fitness tests.
Rassie Erasmus is set to enter history as the most decorated head coach of the Springbok team when his team faces Scotland at Loftus Versfeld stadium. Erasmus took over the management of the team in July 2018, and previously served as the Director of Rugby from 2020 to 2023. He will lead the Boks in their 55th championship match.
During the traditional press conference of the Springbok captains on Friday afternoon, Pieter-Steph du Toit was asked who the greatest of all time is—Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Du Toit replied: 'Rassie Erasmus.' This answer, which the French call a bon mot, is a perfectly timed joke. Many South Africans agree with this opinion, given the immense joy Erasmus has brought to his country by organizing two World Cup triumphs in rugby.
On Saturday at Loftus Versfeld against Scotland, Erasmus will complete a record 55th Springbok match. Erasmus, who himself played for the Springboks in the late 1990s, reached this total across two periods (2018-2019 and 2024-2026), surpassing the previous record of 54 matches set by coach Jake White (2004-2007), who won the 2007 World Cup.
Furthermore, Erasmus worked as the Director of Rugby during Jacques Nienaber's 39-match tenure, resulting in the Boks reaching a total of 93 matches under his leadership. Erasmus took on the coaching role at the Springboks in 2018 after a difficult period in the team's history, transforming chaos into a subject of envy in world rugby.
At the press conference, alongside du Toit, was assistant coach Mzwandile Stik, who has worked with Erasmus since early 2018. Stik noted: 'Rassie has always been creative, starting from his early days as a Cheetahs coach when he sent messages to players via disco lights on the Free State stadium roof.' He added that Erasmus has always used his intellect while remaining a humble person who respects and empowers those around him.
Du Toit, who was Erasmus's captain in his first match in 2018, emphasized: 'What stands out about Rassie for me is the excitement. From the first day I met him in 2018, and even today, you don't think his enthusiasm for the game can get any bigger, but it just keeps growing.' He concluded: 'You couldn't wish for a better person than him to achieve what he has done with this team. As players and coaches, we are very proud of what he has achieved. He truly cares about the people of South Africa. It is also nice to see his family nearby. Sometimes it is hard being away from children, but I am happy for him, and I hope we can make this day special for him on Saturday.'
