Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche set for Springbok milestones against All Blacks

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has described Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche as “pillars of strength” as the forwards prepare to mark major international milestones against the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday.

Du Toit will win his 100th Test cap for South Africa in the second Test of the Greatest Rivalry series, while Nche will make his 50th appearance for the Springboks.

Erasmus praised both players after naming his team for the match, highlighting their contribution to South Africa throughout their international careers.

“Pieter-Steph and Ox have been pillars of strength for us on and off the field, and they both deserve these accolades,” said Erasmus.

“It is a remarkable achievement to play 100 Test matches, and for Pieter-Steph to deliver week in and week out the way he has over the years is incredible.

“We are equally proud of Ox for the player and team man he has grown into, and to see him reach 50 Test caps is fantastic. That said, as a team, our focus is completely on Saturday’s game, and so is theirs, so our main objective is to deliver on the field. If we can do that, hopefully we will make it a memorable day for them.”

Du Toit’s landmark appearance will underline the consistency he has brought to the South African side over a lengthy international career. Erasmus also pointed to the standards the 100-cap forward has maintained from one week to the next.

Nche, meanwhile, will reach his half-century of Test appearances after developing into an important member of the Springbok squad. Erasmus said the prop had grown both as a player and as a team man during his time with South Africa.

The pair will be hoping their milestones are accompanied by a victory, after Damian de Allende experienced disappointment in his own 100th appearance for the Springboks.

De Allende was in the South African side beaten 33-16 by the All Blacks in the opening Test at Ellis Park. Nche and Du Toit will therefore be seeking a better result when the teams meet again in Cape Town.

Although the match provides an opportunity to celebrate two significant individual achievements, Erasmus stressed that the Springboks’ attention remains on the outcome of the contest. He said both players shared that priority, with the team focused on producing a performance capable of making the occasion memorable.

The second Test of the Greatest Rivalry series will kick off at 17:10 on Saturday.