Springbok flank Pieter-Steph du Toit said on Sunday the team was determined to make a major step up when they line up against Georgia in their second Test at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Friday.
The team kicked off their 2021 international season with a 40-9 victory against Georgia at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night following a 20-month absence from international rugby, and while Du Toit was pleased to start the season on a winning note, he admitted they had to improve to reach their desired level of play.
Du Toit was confident that the team would lift their performance next week and said: “The match on Friday gave us a good indication of where we are now and what we have to build on. There are small things that we need to fix, but I don’t think it is anything to worry about.”
With doubt over Snyman’s availability for the historic Castle Lager Lions Series, Du Toit said he would be willing to switch from the loose trio to the second row if necessary.
“I’ll definitely try to play there (lock) again if I have to,” said Du Toit. “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.”
Listen to the interview with Pieter-Steph du Toit after the 1st Test against Georgia
Du Toit said the team were ready for another physical onslaught in the Georgia rematch and that the team was aligned on what they had to do to deliver a performance of which they could be proud.
“Georgia are physical, and their players are naturally big and strong,” said the tough-as-nails flanker. “They also have a good mindset on how they want to play.
“For us now, we’d like to get back our pride and do what we have to do to be the best we can be as a team.”