JJ Harmse

Pretoria – Fourie du Preez is lost to Springbok rugby for now.

The Bulls scrumhalf will undergo a shoulder operation on Tuesday, which could render him out of action for the rest of the season.

This will mean that Du Preez, who is widely considered the world’s leading scrumhalf, will not just miss the Tests against France and Italy, but also the Tri-Nations and South Africa’s Grand Slam tour in November.

Du Preez saw a specialist on Wednesday morning about the shoulder injury that has been bothering him for a long time.

It was decided that an operation is the best option, especially as it will give Du Preez the best opportunity of being 100% ready for next year’s World Cup in New Zealand, where the Springboks will defend the Webb Ellis Trophy.

The longer the operation is postponed, the bigger the chance of serious damage and the lengthier the recovery will be.

The timing of the surgery is therefore as important as the operation itself, Sport24 was told.

Du Preez will only discuss the latest development with Springbok team management on Sunday.

There is a chance that they will request he postpone the operation, but that will be short-sighted.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is, after all, hailed by his players for the manner in which he acts in their best interests and that is why flanker Juan Smith also recently opted for surgery.

How the Boks will get along without Du Preez, who has played 55 Tests, is another question.

He was crowned South Africa’s player of the year because of his superb performances last season. Du Preez also turned this year’s Super 14 upside down with some outstanding performances.

He is expected to be out of action for six months and will therefore only play for the Bulls in next year’s Super 15 again.

De Villiers has a few options as replacements, but he will have to get it right.

Ricky Januarie is playing against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, but a number of experts believe his best days are behind him.

Januarie was unable to make the Stormers’ starting line-up this year and appears to be earmarked as a future impact player.

Ruan Pienaar now has to be considered the favourite for the position, though he’s playing flyhalf on Saturday.

His tactical kicking is closest to that of Du Preez and his general play similar.

He also played some superb rugby for the Sharks in the No 9 jersey and is playing with confidence in the position.

Francois Hougaard, who was Du Preez’s understudy on last year’s November tour, is also on the injured list due to a hand and is in a race against time to be fit for the Tri-Nations.

Jano Vermaak, an Emerging Springbok from the Lions tour, is another contender that may now get an opportunity to make his mark against the French and Italians.

He has been knocking on the door for a long time and showed against the British and Irish Lions that he’s ready for rugby at the highest level.

Sarel Pretorius and Rory Kockott are other dark horses.