Springboks: Pieter-Steph du Toit set to return from injury for the world champions

Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids confirmed that the world-class Pieter-Steph du Toit would be available for selection for the second Test against Wales on Saturday.

Du Toit was ruled out last week to fully recover from shoulder surgery, resulting in Franco Mostert starting the first Test, which the Springboks won 32-29 thanks to a very late Damian Willemse penalty.

Set to play a role in second Test

It is expected that coach Jacques Nienaber will thrust the flanker straight into the starting line-up as Du Toit is one of the hardest-working players in world rugby.

Stormers star Evan Roos attended media sessions this week for the Springboks, suggesting the high-profile star could be part of the matchday 23 being announced around midday on Tuesday.

Davids said the balance between growth and results is key with how the coaching staff selects their line-ups, and the World Cup is always considered when making decisions.

“Pieter-Steph is available for selection this weekend [but] everyone will have to wait for our official team announcement on Tuesday so to get some new information in that regard,” he revealed.

Balance in selection

“But as we’ve said before, it’s definitely our plan [to test out some new players], it’s just about when we’re going to make those selections and how we go about it.

“We’ve been quite open that we have a larger group and we’re looking at the big picture and towards the World Cup.

“But we’ve also got goals to win every Test match and it’ll be our approach to win every Test match, and we have a plan for each and every player within our squad.

“This being a series and not a knockout tournament, we’re looking at how we can execute that plan by building on our experience and depth in the squad while also still ensuring that we get a good result.”

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