Du Preez shone at his audition

The 24-year-old starred in Province's 31-20 win over the Sharks in Durban on Saturday. Du Preez scored two tries and also directed play well for the Cape side at Kings Park.

It's no secret that Du Preez is on the verge of signing for the Sharks where he will join his father (head coach Robert du Preez senior) and his brothers Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez in Durban and his performance on Saturday probably stemmed from his desire to prove a point.

"I think we might have caused a bit of schism in the Du Preez family because we went hard at Rob this week," said Province coach John Dobson.

"We told him 'are you going to sort out your sisters [Jean-Luc and Daniel] today [Saturday]'."

Dobson added: "Rob obviously had a lot riding on this game if it is true that he is coming up here. 

"He is obviously playing for a place here. I think the way he was going in Super Rugby [for the Stormers], he was probably an end-of-year tour candidate before he got injured."

Meanwhile, Dobson believes his side's desperation to secure a home semifinal played a large part in their success at Kings Park.

"I was impressed with the Sharks intensity at the start. Twenty minutes in we were in a lot of trouble because of the sheer physicality and momentum they were getting. 

"I also thought we butchered a few tries during the second half. We were just more desperate I think because we had to get a home semifinal. I was really pleased with the way we withstood the onslaught from who I think is the best team in the competition," said Dobson.

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