Du Toit to play on for Stormers

Editor

Stormers second-row Pieter-Steph du Toit will soon be given a well-earned rest period by his team but it is unlikely to be this weekend.

Du Toit, who last missed a match in March, has been toiling away for the Stormers this season, starting the last eight successive games.

And with Springbok appearances against Ireland to boot, Stormers assistant coach Russell Winter admits the lock is in need of a breather.

"We've been speaking a lot about how we're going to manage him and his game time," Winter told Sport24 ahead of facing the Force in Perth.

"Whether or not that's an option just yet, I'm not sure.

"But over the next two weeks … he has played a lot of rugby and we've tried to manage him the best we can.

"This weekend is an important game and Pieter is definitely one of those players who we chat to every day and with the medical team to make sure he is fresh.

"Hopefully we'll be in that position to give him a rest but we're going to take no chances. We'll see if we can give him a rest sometime soon."

Du Toit joined the Stormers from the Sharks in the off-season and has shone for the Newlands side, helping them seal top spot in Africa 1.

"He's been absolutely phenomenal for us this season. He's been a great addition to this Stormers side," added Winter.

"His line-out calls have been great, him and Eben (Etzebeth) have been contesting line-outs … the two of them make a great combination."