VIDEO: Du Toit ready to don lock jersey ... again
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As long as he is on the field, he is a happy man.
That’s basically what World Cup-winning star Pieter-Steph du Toit revealed, when asked about a positional switch from flank to lock in aid combat Springboks’ second row conundrum.
South Africa’s second row has come under the spotlight due to major injuries.
Eben Etzebeth sustained a rib injury during the win over Georgia on Friday.
Also, Rudolph Snyman (Munster) could miss the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions after a skin graft operation for burns he sustained in Ireland.
Lodewyk De Jager is on track with his recovering program and could make a return during the South African A side match against the British and Irish Lions.
Aside from the World Cup quarter – De Jager, Snyman, Etzebeth and Franco Mostert – Jacques Nienaber does have Marvin Orie, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Jean-Luc du Preez and Rynardt Elstadt as the other options for the position.
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While Du Toit is another enticing option in the area.
When quizzed about the prospect of moving from flank to lock, the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year said he would be willing to switch if necessary.
“I’ll definitely try to play there [lock] again if I have to,” Du Toit told reporters via a virtual media briefing.
“I haven’t played there in a while, but the main difference is the scrummaging, and I am willing to work hard on that area of my game.
“It would be an honour to play against the British & Irish Lions and I will play anywhere in the team if I have to.”
Du Toit started his professional career at lock when he was at the Sharks between 2012 and 2015 before former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer gradually moved him to the back row during the 2015 World Cup.
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