ON THE BENCH
Star halfback one of four changes
FOURIE DU PREEZ has been included on the Springbok bench and the World Cup-winning scrumhalf will end a two-year hiatus from the Test arena in this weekend’s Rugby Championship match against Argentina at FNB Stadium
The 62-Test veteran was one of four changes to the matchday squad that beat Samoa in the final of a quadrangular series – also featuring Italy and Scotland – that took place in June.
Japan-based Du Preez has not played for the Springboks since 2011, despite several attempts by coach Heyneke Meyer to lure the 31-year-old back on board.
In his second season at the helm, Meyer is intent on laying the foundation for his World Cup squad for the 2015 showpiece event in England.
However, the Bok coach appreciates the value of continuity and the importance of building momentum by keeping his team on the winning track. This may explain why he resisted the urge to start Du Preez against Argentina, opting to retain Ulster No 9 Ruan Pienaar instead.
Two of the changes are in the starting line- up, with Stormers No 8 Duane Vermeulen taking over from the injured Pierre Spies, while lock Juandre Kruger – who recently left the Bulls for French club Racing Metro – returns to the second row to partner Eben Etzebeth, and enforcer lock Flip van der Merwe is consigned to playing off the bench.
The remaining change is in the form of another recall on the bench, where Toulouse loosehead prop Gurthrö Steenkamp adds experience to the Bok pack.
“Continuity has been key for us this year and that is why we’ve opted not to make too many changes to the team,” Meyer said yesterday.
“It’s great to have Duane back at number eight, while Juandre has been doing great work in the line-outs all season long. To have someone of the calibre of Flip on the bench, next to the experience Fourie and Gurthrö bring to the team, is a great situation to be in.”
Meyer believes the Pumas will have learnt from their maiden Rugby Championship appearance last season and the coach has called for complete focus from his side.
“I think it was clear last year that the Argentinians are not in the Rugby Championship to make up the numbers, which means we will have to be focused on doing the little things right,” he said. “They’ve been together for a few weeks now and will be a tough opponent.
“We’ve now done the hard work on the training pitch and I can see the players are keen to get back on to the field for a Test,” he said.
“Now we need to continue where we left off against Samoa, and keep looking for try-scoring opportunities in the process.” – Sports Staff & Reuters