Jean-Luc du Preez is set to seize a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm his status within the Springbok squad as he takes on the No 8 position against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium. In a recent analysis, Mark Keohane points out that Du Preez finds himself in an ideal position to showcase his talent, particularly with Jasper Wiese recovering from surgery and Evan Roos not included in the match-day squad.
The upcoming match presents a significant chance for Du Preez to enhance his Test selection prospects, especially against a formidable Barbarians back row featuring esteemed players such as Sam Cane, Peter O’Mahony, and Shannon Frizell.
Despite making a notable debut at the age of 21 against the All Blacks in 2017, Du Preez has faced challenges in establishing a more permanent fixture in the Springbok lineup since Rassie Erasmus took the helm in 2018. His international appearances have been limited, with only 15 caps—four of which were starts.
Keohane further remarks on Du Preez’s versatility, noting his significant experience across various positions throughout his career, which includes 149 professional games. He has taken the field as a No 8 (28% of the time), openside (25%), blindside (20%), and second-row positions (27%), showcasing his adaptability.
The article also emphasizes his club success with the Sale Sharks, where Du Preez has played 144 matches alongside his brothers, Dan and Robert. Notably, he achieves an average of 70 minutes per game in club competitions compared to 32 minutes in international matches.
With this in mind, there’s a strong sense that a powerful performance this Saturday could not only solidify Du Preez’s place within the current Springbok squad but also position him as a key player for future Test matches. Therefore, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will capitalize on this rare chance to make an impression.