The Springboks must stop Brodie Retallick if they want to win Saturday’s World Cup opener against New Zealand according to Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Springbok Player of the Year Du Toit knows Retallick is as important to the New Zealand cause as he is to South Africa.
Retallick suffered a dislocated shoulder in their Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks earlier this year, but is believed to be ready to face South Africa.
Of the giant lock, Du Toit says: “He is a guy that brings a lot of energy. The whole pack looks at him to get them over the advantage line - it’s a massive challenge to try and stop him as well.”
Du Toit says the Springboks did a lot of research on their opponents, but adds: For us as a team, we must focus on what makes us strong.
INFLUENTIAL: Brodie Retallick. Photo: Agustin Mracarian/Reuters.
“We know what we have to do, and we’ve done some good research as well where we can try and exploit their weaknesses.
“We focused on the set piece - they are a team that targets your set piece.”
Of his direct opponent Ardie Savea, Du Toit adds: “He is very strong on his feet and a very smart player as well, good at the breakdown.
“We see him as a threat, so we’ve got to focus on that and make sure our breakdown is quite secure as well.
“I know they’re a team that really targets the breakdown.”