Province back rookie flyhalf to 'bounce back'
Western Province coach John Dobson, who spoke at length of the incredible number of costly errors his team made in their 24-32 loss to the Golden Lions in the grand finale at Ellis Park, admitted the young flyhalf had the kind of game that could break most rookies.
However, Dobson said the 22-year-old will not have lasting scars.
"I feel sorry for Rob [du Preez]," Dobson said.
"He will be a much better player for playing in a Currie Cup Final at age 22. He will bounce back, but I do feel [sorry] for him."
The Province mentor said they were considering an 'early' substitution, after a string of errors in the first half.
"This guy was having one of those nightmare games that you don't wish on anybody," Dobson said.
"However, half the point of playing Rob in the Currie Cup was to bring him through.
"If you yank a guy [replace him] at half-time and say 'you messed up', that will break him ever more.
"He got the try [just before half-time] and played 10 more minutes – it was one of those days."
Du Preez, who came through the Sharks' age-group ranks and a member of the South African Under-20 squad for the 2013 Junior World Championship, joined WP last year after a stint as a loan player with the University of Stellenbosch in the Varsity Cup.
Instead of returning to Durban at the conclusion of the 2014 Varsity Cup, Du Preez decided to remain in the Western Cape, signing a contract with Western Province until 2016.
