Pieter-Steph du Toit says receiving the captaincy for the Springboks’ one-off Test against Wales in Washington DC exceeded his wildest dreams.

The lock will become the 60th Springbok Test captain when he leads a young side against Wales on Saturday.

Du Toit said he is grateful to coach Rassie Erasmus for entrusting him with the role.

‘Getting the captaincy is something you dream of, it is difficult to explain how it feels. I haven’t thought about it and I will probably only do so after the Test. But it is a great privilege for me,’ he said.

‘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.’

Siya Kolisi will become South Africa’s first black African and 61st Test skipper when he runs out at Ellis Park for the first match against England next Saturday. Du Toit lauded the appointment.

‘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.’

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images