Springbok prop Thomas du Toit on Monday acknowledged that the team were far off the standards they had set for themselves in their Castle Lager Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria last week, and said they were determined to deliver a vastly improved performance when the sides meet again at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The Springboks won the match 42-24, but there was clear frustration from head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Jesse Kriel following the match.
“I wouldn’t say that it was a wake-up call,” said Du Toit. “We set high standards for ourselves both in our preparation and on game day, and our objective is to get better week in and week out.
“Obviously, we could have been much better last week, and there were certain aspects of the game in which we had to look ourselves in the eye and say we were not good enough, but we know what we need to do this week against a very passionate Italian side, as we all saw last week.”
Du Toit added: “They are a young team with a lot of energy, and they are well coached. They don’t mess around in their own half, and from our perspective, we need to ensure that we don’t allow them to get into our 22 and make their presence felt there.
“As we’ve been saying all of last week, we respect them and their patriotism for their country, as that’s something that resonates with us. There is a good alignment in their squad, and they are gelling well as a unit, so there are definitely areas we need to improve on this week, while we also have to build on the areas of our game which went fairly well.”
Du Toit was unphased about whether he would play loosehead or tighthead prop if was to be named in Erasmus’ match day squad, which will be announced on Tuesday and said: “I was fortunate to play both at loosehead and tighthead at Bath, so it doesn’t matter where I play. It’s all about where the coaches need me.
“The only difference between the positions is whether you play on the left or right-hand side of the scrum and where you stand in the lineouts. It doesn’t have an impact when one plays with ball in hand or the game in general.”
