Boks must raise standards despite respect, says Du Toit

NOW that the dew has settled on the Springboks' iffy performance against Italy, the players and coaching staff have a different perspective on what panned out in the 42-14 win at Loftus Versfeld, and it is hardly doom and gloom.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Those were the wise words of squad newcomer Thomas du Toit, who added that not enough credit has been given to a plucky Italian side that came hard at the Boks and slickly executed a well-constructed plan.

Du Toit is fresh from a dream season in England in which he won three trophies with all-conquering Bath, while reaching new heights in his personal game, including scoring 10 tries, a record in the Premiership for a prop.

“I would not say we have had a wake-up call,” Du Toit said.

“It is more that we set high standards for ourselves in terms of preparation, training, and the game itself. We try to lift each other up week in week out to get better. So, we compare ourselves to ourselves,” the 30-year-old said.