AUDIO: Jean-Luc Du Preez on Bok No.8 audition against Baabaas
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks utility forward Jean-Luc du Preez’s return to the international arena could not have come with a better challenge.
Du Preez will make his first appearance for the Springboks in two years when the side takes on the Barbarians at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The 29-year-old last donned the Green and Gold in August 2023 during the Rugby Championship match against Los Pumas in Argentina.
He unfortunately missed out on the 2023 World Cup squad and the 2024 season.
However, boasting 14 Test caps, Du Preez said the desire to play for the Springboks was a constant feature in his life.
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“The Springboks were always in the back of my mind,” Du Preez said.
“I used to tell myself to play well for the club [Sale Sharks] and hopefully something would come of it.
“To be given this opportunity again, I’m delighted.”
Du Preez noted that the biggest change between his last match and this weekend’s Springboks squad has been the influence of assistant coach Tony Brown.
“The Springboks have always been labelled conservative, tending to kick a lot and play in the opposition half.
“But with Tony coming in over the last two years, our attack has stepped up.
“We’ve scored some brilliant tries, so that has been the biggest change.”
Du Preez, who will don the No.8 jersey on Saturday, said he is excited to partner with captain Siya Kolisi and uncapped Vincent Tshituka as part of the new loose forward pack.
“This weekend, I will be taking on the Jasper Wiese role. I’ll be in the middle.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Siya and Vincent. They are two very good rugby players.
“The last time I played with Siya was in 2017 against France, so to reconnect is very exciting.”
Despite it being an exhibition match, Du Preez does not underestimate the massive challenge that awaits the loose trio.
The new loose forward unit will have the task of combating former All Blacks Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell, while Irishman Peter O’Mahony will be another imposing figure.
“The likes of Shannon Frizell and Sam Cane – they are going to come out hard.
“They’ll want to prove themselves against the Springboks, and that’s where we need to front up.
“It’s going to be a good match-up.”
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