Gaffie du Toit returns to SWD Eagles team

South Western District Eagles coach Johann Lerm opted for former Springbok Gaffie du Toit – and not Ricardo Croy – at flyhalf when he announced his side for Saturday’s crucial First Division rugby match against the Eastern Province Elephants at Outeniqua Park.

After last week’s brilliant allround performance in the No 10 jersey against the Valke at Kempton Park, indications were that Lerm would stick with Croy in the No 10 jersey with Du Toit playing from the bench, but after two gruelling practices today Lerm opted for experience instead.

Croy will, however, get a run later in the game.

Lerm also brought Springbok Bevin Fortuin back at fullback with another star of last week, Bobby Joubert, moving to inside centre. Joubert scored four of his side’s 11 tries last weekend.

But although Fortuin is back, hooker Wayne Bennett retains the captaincy.

In another surprise, first-choice scrumhalf Jandré Blom returns to the bench after being out for a few weeks due to a back injury.

The SWD team is:

Bevin Fortuin, Norman Nelson, Bobby Joubert, Izak Saayman, Baldwin McBean, Gaffie du Toit, Dougie Hellmuth, Jody Burch, Jacques Engelbrecht, Victor Joubert, Henry Grimes, Wikus Liebenberg, Wikus Harmse, Wayne Bennett (capt), Brood van der Westhuizen.

Replacements: Junior Leota, Tiaan de Kock, Giant Mtyanda, Vincent Gwavu, Jandré Blom, Ricardo Croy, Joe Breytenbach.