The likes of Jacques Nienaber and Thomas du Toit highlight the Republic’s influential presence in the Investec Champions Cup playoffs this week, writes MARK KEOHANE.
A two-time World Cup winner with the Springboks, Nienaber will experience the European cup final for the second time with Leinster after helping the Irish giants beat Toulon in Dublin on Saturday.
A regular in the pack for Bath since his move from the Sharks in 2023, Du Toit is set to play a key role in the English club’s first Champions Cup semi-final in 20 years against Bordeaux Bègles on Sunday.
The versatile prop has thrived under the guidance of former Munster, Vodacom Bulls and Bok tactician Johann van Graan at the Somerset outfit.
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Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues both Nienaber and Van Graan have earned their elite status through relentless improvement and an ability to thrive far from home.
“South African rugby knows how to produce coaches and props,” Keohane writes.
“Nienaber and Van Graan love a challenge, which is evident in the assignments they have undertaken in their careers.
“Both are a credit to South African rugby.”
He singles out Du Toit as a rare talent capable of starting Tests at loosehead or tighthead, with a try-scoring record to match a winger. Fellow South Africans Francois van Wyk and Carlü Sadie will also feature in the Bath and Bordeaux tight fives, respectively.
The South African coaching footprint extends to Bordeaux’s backroom staff, where Heini Adams and Shaun Sowerby both serve as assistants after long playing careers in France.
Photo: James Crombie/INPHO
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