The Tank reveling in his Bok role in tandem with The Fridge
Thomas du Toit is a Springbok prop whose try-scoring exploits defy his position.
A World Cup winner in 2019, the 29-cap Du Toit’s ability to play both sides of the scrum made him a contender for the world champions’ 2023 squad, though he narrowly missed the final cut.
However, Du Toit’s standout form in Bath colours earned him a recall last year, starting all six of his outings in the green and gold jumper and scoring his first Test try against Scotland last November.
Though primarily a scrummager, his ability to convert pick-and-go pressure into points has become a Bath hallmark, with Du Toit often the battering ram at the tip of the spear.
He even leapfrogged several backs in the try-scoring charts, but in a Springbok jumper, the versatile prop has only crossed the whitewash once.
However, he remains a formidable player who brings his powerful presence and extensive experience to both club and international rugby.
And after a hugely impressive debut season in the Blue, Black, and White of Bath in 2023, he earned his way back into the Springboks’ squad.
In the absence of the injured Frans Malherbe, Du Toit and Wilco Louw have stepped up and grabbed their opportunity with both hands.
When Du Toit leaves the field to make way for ‘The Fridge’ [Louw], he knows the No. 3 position is in good hands.
“For me, knowing my purpose and ability for the first 45 or 50 minutes, however long it might be, is brilliant. I’m loving my role in the team and very grateful for the guys around me who also do their part.
“It’s such a pleasure knowing the guy [Wilco Louw] that is going to come on, is so destructive at scrum time and carries himself well around the field,” Du Toit told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’ve always understood my role in the team, whether it be on the field or off the field, from the bench or starting.
“For me, it’s been an incredible journey, really awesome to have been part of the last few weeks’ matches in that starting position.”
On Saturday, the Bok prop runs out in his 30th Test in the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina at the Allianz Stadium in London.
