Hendrik Cronjé

Bloemfontein – One of the heroes of the 2007 World Cup-winning side CJ van der Linde is on his way back to South Africa to ensure that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers can consider him for next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

Van der Linde has already signed a contract with the Free State Cheetahs to strengthen last year’s Currie Cup runners-up and has also been rewarded with a place in the Bok team for the June 5 Test against Wales in Cardiff.

However, Bok prop Wian du Preez will not be available for the Cheetahs in this year’s Currie Cup. Du Preez will join Irish side Munster, whom he helped before this year’s Super 14.

Van der Linde, 29, has represented the Boks in 58 Tests since making his debut as a 22-year-old against Scotland in Edinburgh on 16 November 2002.

His agent, Stephan Weyers, confirmed the Bok tighthead prop’s availability. Van der Linde joined Irish side Leinster in 2008.

“CJ is delighted to have the opportunity of pulling over the Cheetahs jersey again and is looking forward to playing in the Currie Cup again with old team-mates and close friend Juan Smith,” said Weyers.

“We are indebted to SA Rugby as they made CJ’s move to South Africa financially viable by offering him a contract until after the World Cup.”

Van der Linde struggled with injuries in his first season in Ireland, but was a key player for Leinster in the Magners League and Heineken Cup this season.

However, the 27-year-old Du Preez’s decision is a setback for Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské’s Currie Cup plans.

Du Preez is not getting the recognition he deserves from the Bok selectors and his decision comes as no surprise as he has only played one Test.

A number of experts view him as the most powerful scrummager in South African rugby.

“Wian played for Munster in the Heineken Cup during his off-season after South Africa’s end-of-season tour last year,” said Weyers of the man who made his Super 14 debut for the Sharks against the Hurricanes in 2005.

“They were really impressed by his scrummaging and commitment, and have made a good offer. We told Naka early on that we are considering another offer and were open with him from the outset.

“Wian would love to come and end his career at the Cheetahs.”