Springbok ace ‘an option’ for positional switch as Bath sweat over key England man
Thomas du Toit (right) could be set to feature at loosehead this weekend, with Beno Obano (left) a doubt
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan could be forced to shift Springboks tighthead Thomas du Toit over to loosehead this weekend, with the coach sweating over the fitness of England man Beno Obano.
The four-capped prop came off after just 28 minutes in Bath’s nervy 43-41 Investec Champions Cup quarter-final victory over Northampton Saints last Friday night, and could now be a doubt for their PREM clash with Harlequins.
Obano has been a key man for Bath during Van Graan’s tenure at the Rec, featuring 77 times since he took the helm at the start of the 2022/23 season. In that time, he also helped Bath win a historic treble last season, and started in all three finals as well.
Bath sweat over Beno Obano but Thomas du Toit position swap ‘an option’
Obano’s departure early into the game left many fearing he was set for a lengthy absence; however, Van Graan has downplayed any long-term worries.
“He’s ok,” the HoR told members of the media. “We’ll make a call in the week on whether he’ll play or not.
“He came off with a stiff back, and a prop needs a loose back to scrum and to maul.
“He was running this afternoon and was all smiles,” he continued. “But when Beno walks off and tells you he can’t continue, you know he can’t.
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“We’ll make a calculated decision whether we put him on the field this weekend or not, but it’s not something I’m worried about long-term.
That does throw up a potential question mark for Bath at loosehead. Francois van Wyk is certainly a candidate to come into the starting XV, with the South African replacing Obano last weekend, but Boks prop Du Toit is also an option as well considering he can play on both sides of the scrum.
“Thomas is one of the more unique players in World Rugby, a prop who can play both sides,” Van Graan said of Du Toit, who was named in the World Rugby Dream XV last year. “There are options to play him on both sides of the scrum.
“He’s been fantastic over the last few weeks, and he’s really valuable.”
Du Toit is yet to play loosehead this season, but has featured there for both Bath and the Springboks in recent years, including in last year’s July Tests.
Further injury concerns
Elsewhere, Ireland lock Quinn Roux is also a doubt for the fixture on Saturday evening, while England back-rower Sam Underhill is also fully out of contention.
Of Roux, he added: “Quinn’s got a dead leg, so we’ll see tomorrow (Friday) whether we’ll put him onto the field or not.”
“Sam is not available,” Van Graan said of Underhill. “He’s going through the HIA process, but he came through pretty well so there’s no long-term concern.”
Bath will name their 23-man squad tomorrow (Friday, 17th April).
