"These Two Springboks Are Not Just Elite Athletes—They’re Freaks of Nature." That’s the bold claim from Thomas du Toit, the powerhouse tighthead prop who’s seen firsthand what makes Rassie Erasmus’ squad so special. And if you think that’s hyperbole, just wait until you hear why he singles out these two players as genetic anomalies in a team already stacked with world-class talent.
Fresh off his contributions to South Africa’s triumphant Rugby Championship campaign—including a gritty start against Argentina in London—Du Toit has returned to Bath for what will be his final season in the Premiership. The 38-17 thrashing of Gloucester last weekend, where he replaced England’s Will Stuart in the 53rd minute, was a taste of what’s to come before he heads back to South Africa to join the Sharks on a four-year deal. But here’s the twist: this move isn’t just about club rugby. Du Toit will be central to the Springboks’ audacious quest for a third consecutive Rugby World Cup in 2027—a feat no team has ever achieved.
Now, let’s talk about these so-called 'freaks.' On the latest episode of Maul Or Nothing, Du Toit didn’t hesitate when asked by Bristol prop Max Lahiff to name the most physically extraordinary players in the Springboks setup. His picks? Jan-Hendrick Wessels and Andre Esterhuizen.
"Jan-Hendrick is just next level—his work rate is insane," Du Toit explained, emphasizing how Wessels’ relentless energy and versatility set him apart. But it’s Esterhuizen who really steals the spotlight. Labeled a 'hybrid player' for his ability to dominate as both a forward and back, the man is a force of nature. "He’s monstrous," Du Toit said, referencing Esterhuizen’s jaw-dropping performances for Harlequins in the Premiership. "Every time he touches the ball in a Springbok jersey, something explosive happens. Remember that try against Beauden Barrett? He shrugged him off like it was nothing. For most players, that’s a career highlight. For Andre? Just another day at the office."
That try—a 79th-minute dagger in South Africa’s record-breaking 43-10 demolition of the All Blacks in Wellington—was a microcosm of the Springboks’ dominance. Du Toit, who watched the late-game carnage from the bench, admitted even he was surprised by the margin of victory. "Normally, you’d expect New Zealand to claw their way back," he said. "But everything clicked for us. The forwards laid the platform, the backs ran riot, and the bench? They were unstoppable. It was one of those rare days where every pass stuck, every tackle landed, and the gameplan unfolded exactly as Rassie envisioned."
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this Springboks squad too good? With freakish athletes like Wessels and Esterhuizen, depth that allows for relentless rotation, and a coaching mastermind in Erasmus, are they on track to make history—or is their dominance bad for the sport’s competitive balance? Let’s hear your thoughts: Are the Springboks rewriting rugby’s rules, or is their success a temporary peak? Sound off in the comments.
P.S. Want more insights? Check out Du Toit’s candid take on his 'right decision' to return to South Africa and the 'unique ability' that makes Erasmus such a visionary leader. Or dive into the 'scary fact' that has England’s rugby legends in awe of this Springboks era. Links below!
