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Cape Town - Springbok skipper Pieter-Steph du Toit says he is living his dream by captaining the Boks against the Wales this weekend.
READ: 12 stats and facts: Springboks v Wales
Du Toit will become the 60th Springbok skipper when the Boks take on Wales in a once-off Test at RFK Stadium in Washington DC on Saturday.
The 25-year-old emphasised how important this Test is and hopes to lead the Springboks to victory.
"It is a great privilege for me. It is going to be a massive Test match. We are going to have a big task on our hands," Du Toit told Times Live website.
"Getting the captaincy is something in your dreams. It is difficult to explain to you how it feels. I haven't thought about it. It will probably only after the Test."
"I want to be a captain who leads by example. Someone who puts his deeds where his mouth is. Someone who plays well‚ trains well and who is never late for meetings. A real professional."
Du Toit's Stormer's team-mate Siya Kolisi made Springbok history, by becoming the first black Test captain, when he leads the side against England next month.
Du Toit praised the appointment of Kolisi, saying: "I really back him. He is a great leader for the Stormers on and off the field‚ as well in the way he is trying to help people. He is a champion person."
Wales will name their starting team later on Thursday.
The Boks will open their 2018 campaign against Wales on Saturday, June 2 with the match set to kick off at 23:00 SA time.
Teams:
South Africa
15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Robert du Preez, 23 Warrick Gelant
*The three non-playing reserves are Frans Malherbe, Nizaam Carr and Cameron Wright
Wales
TBA
