Du Toit will lead South Africa for the first time when they take on Warren Gatland’s Wales side in an encounter which will only be the second time South Africa will face Wales on neutral ground outside of a Rugby World Cup.
Previously, the two rivals played at Wembley Stadium in London during the construction of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. On that occasion, on 14 November 1998, Gary Teichmann’s Springbok side won 28-20.
The seven players in the starting team who will be making their debut in the United States capital are Travis Ismaiel and Makazole Mapimpi (wings), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Ivan van Zyl (scrumhalf), Kwagga Smith (flank), Jason Jenkins (lock) and Ox Nche (prop). A further six players with no Test experience were included on the bench.
Erasmus has opted for an experienced core of players – Jesse Kriel (centre), Elton Jantjies (flyhalf), Oupa Mohoje (flank), Du Toit (lock) and Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker) – to provide the necessary calmness and guidance. He said he is looking forward to see the Springboks take one on of Europe’s most powerful sides.
“As coaches, we are tremendously excited about the prospect of seeing some of our best young players getting the opportunity to play at this level,” said Erasmus.
Wales had the upper hand over the Springboks in their last two encounters, both played in Cardiff, and according to Erasmus, the Welsh will be especially motivated to continue with that trend.
“Wales have a very solid and effective kicking strategy and their cohesive forward and set-piece play are some of their main strong points. However, I do believe that we have picked a match-day squad that will be able to compete very strongly,” added Erasmus.
South Africa team to face Wales:
(in order of name, franchise, Test caps and points)
15 Curwin Bosch (Cell C Sharks, 1, 0)
14 Travis Ismaiel (Vodacom Bulls, uncapped)
13 Jesse Kriel (Vodacom Bulls, 29, 40 – 8t)
12 Andre Esterhuizen (Cell C Sharks, uncapped)
11. Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks, uncapped)
10. Elton Jantjies (Emirates Lions, 23, 203 – 2t, 38c, 39p)
9. Ivan van Zyl (Vodacom Bulls, uncapped)
8. Dan du Preez (Cell C Sharks, 3, 0)
7. Oupa Mohoje (Toyota Cheetahs 18, 0)
6. Kwagga Smith (Emirates Lions, uncapped)
5. Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain, DHL Stormers, 32, 20 – 4t)
4. Jason Jenkins (Vodacom Bulls, uncapped)
3. Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers, 5, 0)
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (Cell C Sharks 23, 5 – 1t)
1. Ox Nche (prop, Toyota Cheetahs, uncapped)
Replacements:
16. Akker van der Merwe (Cell C Sharks, uncapped)
17. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers, 23, 5 – 1t)
18. Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks, uncapped)
19. Marvin Orie (Emirates Lions, uncapped)
20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe (DHL Stormers, uncapped)
21. Embrose Papier (Vodacom Bulls, uncapped)
22. Robert du Preez (Cell C Sharks, uncapped)
23. Warrick Gelant (Vodacom Bulls, 2, 5 – 1t)
