J.J. Harmse

Pretoria – He is humble about being honoured, but even Fourie du Preez has to admit that he deserved to be named SA Rugby’s player of the year, and that he can surely now be considered the best scrumhalf in the world.

“It’s been an incredible year. I don’t think we’ll experience anything like this again and that is why the award is extra special,” Du Preez said on Monday night after collecting the award in Johannesburg.

The Bok scrumhalf also received the award in 2006 and then struggled with all the accolades. However, a Super14 title, the series win over the British and Irish Lions, winning the Tri-Nations and the Blue Bulls’ Currie Cup triumph leaves him with no choice other than to admit that he has made a major contribution to SA rugby in 2009.

The chances are also good that he will be named as the International Rugby Board’s player of the year, but it’s not something Du Preez is getting excited about prematurely.

“I heard it’s Brian O’Driscoll, so I won’t have too many sleepless nights about it,” he said.

“It will be nice if I get it, but rugby is a team sport first and foremost and there should not be too much fuss over one player.”

His focus is rather with the Springbok team and how they can beat France, Italy and Ireland later this month.

“It’s important for us to finish the year on a high, but it’s not going to be easy.”

Du Preez is delighted by the inclusion in the Bok squad of his two understudies at the Blue Bulls – Heini Adams and Francois Hougaard.

“They deserve it. I think Francois is the guy who will take over from Heini and myself when we finish playing in a year or two,” said the 27-year-old Du Preez.

He added that he is considering playing overseas after the World Cup in 2011.

“I’m still looking around, but it’s definitely an option,” he said.

“It will not just be about rugby, but will also be a lifestyle choice when I go overseas.”

Adams and Hougaard will be under pressure when they run out at Welford Road on Friday.

The Leicester pack will still be strong, in spite of Lewis Moody, Tom Croft and Jordan Crane not being available due to England duty.

Props Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni will be available as they only have to join up with the Argentine and Italian squads respectively next week. Ben Kay and George Chuter are also likely to play.

The chances are slim that Wallaby wing Lote Tuqiri will play against the Boks. He is only likely to be considered from next week.