Namibia's Du Toit ready for final push

Namibia prop Jané Du Toit, the fifth-oldest player at Rugby World Cup 2011, is ready for one last push before before he retires.

After playing at RWC 2007 in France, where the Welwitschias' tournament fell apart after a promising 32-17 defeat by Ireland in their opening game, the 35-year-old Du Toit immediately set his sights on making 2011 his last stand.

"I told myself, 'Well, I've got three or four years left in me. If I can make the team for 2011 that will be my swansong'," he said.

With 21 caps to his name, Du Toit says his experience helps steer some of the younger players around the park.

"I think in some situations I know what to do under pressure," he said.

"I just let the young guys know they should keep their heads and things will work out."

Life after the game

Being around the team is what the prop will miss the most.

"The camaraderie, playing with the guys, the banter and all the chirps," he said.

"Being a part of something greater than yourself."

After the tournament he will shift his focus from rugby to his property development career in his home city, Cape Town.

Win, lose or draw in the coming weeks, Du Toit plans to give it his best shot.

"I was raised to think whether it's your first or your last game, you've got to give everything," he said.

"You don't want to retire and feel disappointed, so you put in that little extra effort to be able to say you gave everything."

Namibia's opening Pool D match is against Fiji at Rotorua International Stadium on 10 September.