Du Preez sends his stunning reminder to Rassie

DANIEL DU PREEZ hopes his stunning start to the season will catapult him back into the international arena with the Springboks. The Sale Sharks No.8 won the last of his four caps in Rassie Erasmus’ first game in charge, a largely forgettable match against Wales in Washington DC in June 2018. But the 24-year-old desperately wants to be part of the World Cup defence in France in 2023. “I’ve always aspired to play for the Springboks, it’s always been one of my dreams and I’d definitely like to get a few more caps,” he said. “They did a great job (at the World Cup) and it would wonderful to be involved at the next one if I do get the opportunity.” No contact has been made with Erasmus since the 2019 World Rugby Coach of the Year began his task of transforming the Springboks 18 months ago. However, having World Cup winners, Faf de Klerk and Lood de Jager as team-mates, not to mention his two brothers, Rob and Jean-Luc, at the AJ Bell Stadium, he could be knocking on the door again if he maintains his form. Quietly-spoken, du Preez prefers to make his big noises on the pitch. He ran in a try from 30 metres in a man-of-thematch performance in last weekend’s win against Wasps and sometimes looks more Fijian than South African with his offloading ability. “I thrive on trying to get front-foot ball for my team if possible and try and mix it up a bit and get an offload away when I can, but I think there’s a time and place for everything.” In Faf de Klerk, he has a kindred spirit in that respect, although you could never imagine Durban-born du Preez letting his hair grow below the collar. “Faf being here was obviously huge in most of us coming over. He and Lood are obviously two world-class players and they’ll make a big difference when they join up with us,” he said. “Our goal is to finish top four in the Prem and get as far in Europe as possible.”