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The Bulls and Springbok scrumhalf, who was very unlucky not to be named the International Rugby Board’s Player of the year this year, narrowly losing out to All Black captain Richie McCaw in a decision that still defies any logic, told SuperRugby that while he rated his season as his best yet, it was almost one that never took place.
Du Preez will end off his season with a payday at the Barbarians game this weekend but will look back on a decision he took earlier in the year that all Springbok fans can truly be thankful for.
“I’ve really been happy with this season - it was definitely my best yet,” Du Preez summed up his own exploits for 2009, which included a Super 14 and Currie Cup trophy, a Lions and Tri-Nations victory and a starring role in all these at the highest level.
But Du Preez, who truly plays the game for the love of it, spoke openly about how he almost quit the sport earlier this year because he wasn’t enjoying the game. The pressure of being Bulls captain in 2008, the criticism that went with it and other factors took their toll on the scrumhalf. But in true Du Preez fashion, he picked himself up and responded the only way he knew how - on the field of play.
“I really gave a lot of thought to retiring at the end of this season,” Du Preez admitted, “I was planning for a season or two overseas and wanted to get out of Pretoria, out of my comfort zone.
“But the way things have gone made it difficult to contemplate quitting. The atmosphere that was set by the Springbok management was really wonderful. This Bok management is really some of the best ever and in that aspect I enjoy being part of the Springboks. They made it easier to make the decision.”
Du Preez hinted on the current tour that he had postponed his overseas ventures until after 2011 and that he and fellow Bull Morne Steyn could be the perfect halfback pairing for the World Cup, but that wasn’t always the case.
“At the moment I’m really enjoying my rugby, and the atmosphere that has been created has brought out the best in my game. It was a difficult few months for me earlier this year, and a lot hinged on how things went. But the way I feel now I have a few good years in my. It wasn’t as if things weren’t good at the Boks in the past, but rather a case of whether I can reach my own goals and do better in my game.
“A lot of us who were in the team that won the 2007 World Cup said we would make decisions after the Lions tour and take it from there. But the success we have had this year makes 2011 the next goal. If the year didn’t go so well, then my international career would be over right now.”
At 27 years of age, Du Preez has the opportunity to underline his class on the world stage and write his name in among the greats of the game. But other than some players, money won’t be the determining factor. Du Preez is unlikely to play into his thirties, as Wallaby George Gregan has done in Japan.
“George has taken a bit less contact than me,” Du Preez laughs, “ and my body is a bit more tired. But I won’t force it ever and if I feel I can’t be at my best or make a difference for the team, then I will call it quits.
“Look at 2007, we never thought we’d get a great season like that as players, and our goal was simply to win the Lions series. But this year has been unbelievable and it could get even better. If I can contribute to that, that is exactly what will drive me as a player.”
And if Du Preez can better on his own personal performances this year, Springbok rugby’s future may be bright after all.
