Pieter-Steph du Toit relishing ‘very special’ Ellis Park Test against All Blacks

South Africa captain Pieter-Steph du Toit says Ellis Park holds a unique place in the country’s rugby history as the Springboks prepare to face New Zealand in the opening match of the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series.

The first meeting between the two sides will take place in Johannesburg on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10. Du Toit believes the occasion offers South Africa the ideal opportunity to begin the series strongly against one of their biggest rivals.

Much of the focus during the build-up has centred on the significance of the contest and the decisions made by both teams. However, the attention will turn to the field on Saturday afternoon, when South Africa and New Zealand renew their rivalry in what is expected to be a fiercely contested series.

For Du Toit, the chance to face New Zealand in a four-match series on home soil is an honour in itself. The Springbok captain also highlighted the added importance of beginning the campaign at Ellis Park, a venue with a special connection to South African rugby.

“It’s a very different tournament. To be involved in a series like this and have New Zealand play in South Africa, and also playing four games in a row is a massive honour and privilege,” he told reporters on Friday.

“And to have the opportunity to play against them again, especially at Ellis Park, is very special for me and the whole team, so I really hope we can make the best of Saturday.

“It’s an awesome stadium for us and it’s close to my heart. When you stand there and sing the anthem and see the supporters behind the Springboks, it’s unbelievable. And of course, the 1995 Rugby World Cup was won there as well, so it’s a very special place for our country.”

The venue’s significance is tied not only to the support the Springboks receive there, but also to its place in the nation’s sporting memory. Du Toit said the experience of standing in the stadium, hearing the anthem and seeing the home supporters would make Saturday particularly meaningful for the team.

South Africa will therefore begin the series with the expectation of making full use of home advantage, while New Zealand arrive as the first opponents in a run of four successive Tests between the two nations. For Du Toit, the occasion combines the intensity of the rivalry with the personal and national importance of playing at Ellis Park.

The Springbok captain’s comments underline the scale of the challenge and the privilege he believes the players have been given. With both sides set to meet for the first time in the series at 17:10 on Saturday, South Africa will hope the special atmosphere at Ellis Park can help provide a winning start.