15 questions for Pieter-Steph du Toit

1. What goes through a man's head in the last 10 minutes of a World Cup final? 

The plan is working and we have to keep doing what we are doing. Work harder than ever to get into the right position on attack and defence. Almost time to rest.

2. When did you first realise you might become a Springbok?

It has been my dream since I was a child when I enjoyed rugby and I found out what the Springboks were.

3. Which World Cup final was more special?

Both were special, but being able to play against the All Blacks in this year's final was the cherry on top. At that stage it was the number one in the world against the number two, which made it even better.

4. What was the best moment of your life?

Many good things have happened to me and to single out one is difficult, but the most important things in my life are my wife and children.

5. What did you have to learn when you moved from blindside flanker to lock?

Nothing extra. I could just express myself better on the field and the position's game suited me better.

6. Are you shy by nature or can you party hard when you're in the mood?

I like to have a good time when I feel comfortable.

7. Which coaches have meant the most to you from school days to now?

I can't single one out because I learned something from each of them, which has helped me throughout my career.

8. Who were your rugby heroes when you were young?

Schalk Burger. Juan Smith. Richie McCaw.

9. And your earliest memory of the sport?

Sports have been a part of my life since I can remember. It was nice for me to be able to compete. I enjoyed it a lot.

10. What kept you going when you almost lost your leg in 2020? Did you ever think it was the end of your career?

I never thought of that. I just thought about how I'm going to get well.

11. What do you listen to on your headphones before a game?

I don't listen to music on headphones. I want to take in what is going on around me. In the locker room they play nice music before the game.

12. What is your favourite and least favourite thing about living in Japan?

We have a lot of family time, which is nice. We just don't have much to do there with all our time.

13. What do you never want to relive?

I wouldn't change anything. I learn something from everything in life.

14. Your worst ref moment?

When I got a red card (in 2022 in a match against France).

15. What are you looking forward to?

To everything. 

♦ VWB ♦

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