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Ex-England pivot praises Bok No 9

Cape Town - Former England flyhalf Stuart Barnes has heaped praise on Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez.

Du Preez has not played Test rugby this year, but has been included in the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup squad.

He has recovered from a knee injury and is expected to be ready for South Africa’s first game against Japan in Brighton on Saturday.

Coach Heyneke Meyer has copped criticism in some quarters for backing Du Preez, whose last Test was against Scotland in Port Elizabeth in June last year.

Barnes wrote a column in Britain’s Sunday Times in which he lauded the 70-Test Springbok veteran.

According to Barnes, Du Preez has not received enough worldwide praise for his performances.

Barnes believes no other scrumhalf in world rugby can kick tactically as good as Du Preez, who has the ability to spot space on the field and then kick accordingly.

Du Preez also knows when to break at the right time, Barnes noted.

Fifty-two-year-old Barnes, who is nowadays a well-known rugby commentator, played 10 Tests for England between 1984 and 1993.

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