Thomas du Toit expressed confidence in the Sharks' ability to counter Munster's strength, despite the well-known nature of the upcoming match at Thomond Park. He believes the team possesses sufficient self-belief to withstand the intensity of Munster's play and continue their winning streak.
The Sharks have regained form after a 39-22 defeat to the Stormers, securing consecutive victories over Lyon in the Champions Cup and Cardiff in the URC. Last week at Arms Park, the Sharks won 36-21, with du Toit scoring one of six touchdowns, but he acknowledges that Munster presents a different level of difficulty.
The 31-year-old player has experience in Limerick during the 2016-17 season and is well acquainted with the atmosphere of the place. 'It is a very proud city and a proud rugby club with an incredible history,' du Toit stated on Tuesday. He added that having played for Munster previously, he understands the essence of this culture: 'they live and breathe Munster, and that lifts the players.'
Du Toit noted that Munster's strength lies in the long-term cohesion of its squad, which creates an 'incredible brotherhood,' making the team extremely difficult for opponents. Despite recognizing the challenges ahead, he expressed enthusiasm for the match.
Although the Sharks have regained momentum under coach JP Pietersen, their performance in scrums remains an area for improvement. Three weeks ago, the Stormers exposed the Durban side's weaknesses in ball work, dominating the anticipated front-row confrontation. Stormers coach John Dobson admitted he did not expect such a one-sided scrum development.
This loss to the Stormers is the only one of the season for the Sharks, and there are encouraging signs of progress against Lyon and Cardiff. Nevertheless, du Toit, returning to the season from Bath, emphasized that building a powerful scrum requires more than just assembling a group of quality players. He contacted teammates prop Ox Nché, as well as young players Phatu Ganyane and Hanro Jacobs, and hookers Ethan Bester and Eduan Swart.
Although he played with Nché before, the new combinations around them are still developing. 'Something interesting about the scrum is that at the beginning of the season, everything starts from scratch,' du Toit observed. He continued that while he played with Ox, he hasn't played with the current hookers, and the new pairing unfortunately requires time. He concluded that regardless of the number of training sessions or drills, 'time in the saddle' is necessary.
The Sharks are making significant efforts to improve their game, and du Toit is confident that familiarity and time together will help the defensive line achieve expected dominance. 'There are so many different aspects to the scrum. It will take time to get used to each other. I am happy to play with each of these guys.'
The prop was also inspired by the changes Pietersen made to the squad since his appointment last season. Returning to a club where his professional career developed, du Toit feels the atmosphere has become natural and familiar, and believes the team's identity is beginning to form. 'You can see the changes, and it's obvious in how we all play,' he said. He stressed that it is important for the team to complement this culture and playing style by continuing to win.
The Sharks aim to secure a third consecutive victory in Limerick, although du Toit insists that recent success should not lead to complacency. 'Coming to Cardiff and achieving such a victory is something special,' he noted. He added that there is great confidence, but everyone is trying to return to a state of 'starting from scratch.'
For du Toit, this tour also involves a significant personal sacrifice. His youngest daughter was born just three weeks ago, and he spent very little time with her before traveling abroad. 'I have a wife and three children. My youngest daughter was born three weeks ago, and I only knew her for a week. It is incredibly hard,' he shared. Although the demands of professional rugby force him to miss precious family moments, du Toit finds powerful motivation in his role as a provider. 'Everyone has their own 'why,' and mine is to provide for my family. That is just as important to me. It is a privilege to do what we do. It is important to try to stay focused on that.'
