Publications
Partners
J.J. Harmse
Udine – He was still on the Springbok periphery three weeks ago, but on Saturday Wian du Preez will be making his Test debut for the Springboks.
That is how quickly things have happened for Du Preez since he impressed with his scrumming in the Currie Cup.
His omission from the initial touring squad raised eyebrows, but Du Preez will be making his debut against Italy’s respected scrum. He toured with the Boks in 2007 without playing a Test.
“It will make the challenge that much bigger, but there is one thing that fires up any South African player, and that is to be able to play for the Boks. I have that honour now and must show that I’m worthy,” said the Free Stater.
His opponent, Martin Castrogiovanni, eats looseheads for breakfast, but Du Preez is not intimidated.
“I don’t think we have to stand back for their scrums. We struggled initially on tour, but have now managed to get to the root of the problem,” said Du Preez.
“In South Africa we only scrum until the ball is under the No 8’s feet. Over here, they only start scrumming then. So it’s a small adjustment.”
The team shows three changes among the forwards.
Du Preez replaces Beast Mtawarira, who gets a break after around 2500 minutes of rugby this year, Adriaan Strauss plays hooker in place of the injured Bismarck du Plessis, and Andries Bekker gets a start at lock in place of Victor Matfield who is on the bench.
Schalk Burger, who has a rib injury, is replaced by Danie Rossouw.
Jean Deysel (flank) and Francois Hougaard (scrumhalf) get their first opportunities in the Test squad.
BJ Botha, who only joined up with the squad on Thursday afternoon, will be a substitute prop.
He replaces CJ van der Linde, who has a hamstring injury.
“It’s good to know you can call on someone of BJ’s quality when you have so many injuries. Unfortunately he does not play his rugby in South Africa, which is why we only call on him in emergencies like this,” said coach Peter de Villiers.
“Beast and Bismarck deserve a break and Schalk will be ready for Ireland next week.”
Van der Linde and Botha, who both play in Ireland, will be able to provide insight into the Boks’ opponents next week.
Udine – He was still on the Springbok periphery three weeks ago, but on Saturday Wian du Preez will be making his Test debut for the Springboks.
That is how quickly things have happened for Du Preez since he impressed with his scrumming in the Currie Cup.
His omission from the initial touring squad raised eyebrows, but Du Preez will be making his debut against Italy’s respected scrum. He toured with the Boks in 2007 without playing a Test.
“It will make the challenge that much bigger, but there is one thing that fires up any South African player, and that is to be able to play for the Boks. I have that honour now and must show that I’m worthy,” said the Free Stater.
His opponent, Martin Castrogiovanni, eats looseheads for breakfast, but Du Preez is not intimidated.
“I don’t think we have to stand back for their scrums. We struggled initially on tour, but have now managed to get to the root of the problem,” said Du Preez.
“In South Africa we only scrum until the ball is under the No 8’s feet. Over here, they only start scrumming then. So it’s a small adjustment.”
The team shows three changes among the forwards.
Du Preez replaces Beast Mtawarira, who gets a break after around 2500 minutes of rugby this year, Adriaan Strauss plays hooker in place of the injured Bismarck du Plessis, and Andries Bekker gets a start at lock in place of Victor Matfield who is on the bench.
Schalk Burger, who has a rib injury, is replaced by Danie Rossouw.
Jean Deysel (flank) and Francois Hougaard (scrumhalf) get their first opportunities in the Test squad.
BJ Botha, who only joined up with the squad on Thursday afternoon, will be a substitute prop.
He replaces CJ van der Linde, who has a hamstring injury.
“It’s good to know you can call on someone of BJ’s quality when you have so many injuries. Unfortunately he does not play his rugby in South Africa, which is why we only call on him in emergencies like this,” said coach Peter de Villiers.
“Beast and Bismarck deserve a break and Schalk will be ready for Ireland next week.”
Van der Linde and Botha, who both play in Ireland, will be able to provide insight into the Boks’ opponents next week.
