Pieter-Steph du Toit hailed by Cobus Reinach ahead of 100th Springbok Test

Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has paid tribute to Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche as the forwards prepare to reach major milestones in South Africa’s second Test against the All Blacks in the Greatest Rivalry series.

Du Toit will win his 100th Test cap in Saturday’s match in Cape Town, while Nche is set to make his 50th appearance for the Springboks.

Reinach, who starts at scrumhalf for the second Test, said du Toit’s century was a significant achievement and reflected both his qualities as a player and his character away from the field.

“Pieter-Steph playing his 100th is a huge milestone, and it shows what type of player and person he is,” Reinach told reporters this week.

“He’s probably not the most vocal guy, but he leads in the way he plays. I’d rather play with him than against him, to be honest.

“Hats off to him as a player. He’s been through knee and shoulder injuries and many other setbacks, and he is still here, showing up week in and week out, and keeps on performing as he does, so we are very proud of him, and Ox, who will be playing his 50th Test this weekend. They are both amazing teammates.”

Du Toit has continued to perform at the highest level despite a series of injuries, including problems with his knee and shoulder. Reinach said the 100-cap milestone was evidence of the consistency and resilience that had allowed him to remain a leading member of the Springboks squad.

He also highlighted the contribution of Nche, who will reach his own landmark in the same match. Reinach described both players as outstanding teammates as South Africa seek to respond after the opening Test of the four-match series.

The Springboks will also once again face the All Blacks’ haka before kick-off. Reinach, who has earned 54 Test caps so far and has gone through the pre-match challenge several times, said the experience remained a powerful part of playing against New Zealand.

“It’s awesome to stand there and to listen and see the haka. They look you in the eye, and it’s a challenge that they set, and we accept it.

“For us, it’s all about how we react to it. It’s their way to get themselves ready for the kick-off, and we respect it. It’s good to experience.”

Reinach said the Springboks were looking forward to the contest and to experiencing the haka again. He stressed that the important factor for South Africa would be their response once the challenge was over, rather than treating it as a distraction from the match itself.

Saturday’s second Test in Cape Town begins at 17:10. The Springboks are aiming to level the four-match series at 1-1.