‘Du Toit too slow for flank’

Former Bok coach Peter de Villiers says the DHL Stormers should not play Pieter-Steph du Toit as a loose forward.

Stormers captain Siya Kolisi was rested for last Saturday's match against the Crusaders in Christchurch, with Du Toit moved from lock to openside flank.

In his latest column for KweséSports, De Villiers explained why it wasn't a good idea.

'You might say that Du Toit moving into the No 7 jersey will strengthen the lineout play. But, if you are sensible and weigh the amount of lineouts against loose-play situations and defence, then there is no way that you can make such a selection,' De Villiers wrote.

'Du Toit is too slow to play at flank, especially against the New Zealand teams, who will explore that space that you are creating for them out wide.

'I cannot help but feel sorry for such a talented rugby player, who is forced to play out of position where he lacks the abilities to cut down space. This allowed the backs of the Crusaders to create one-on-one situations, which led to overlaps out wide.'

Full column

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

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