Springbok rugby icon Fourie du Preez has thrown his weight behind the notion that Faf de Klerk's wealth of experience could have been a game-changer for South Africa’s tour of New Zealand. As the team jetted off without de Klerk, who remains a just-in-case call away from the action, Du Preez aired his views on what could have been a strategic miss.
The Bok brigade for the New Zealand expedition includes the trio of Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, and Morne van den Berg. Despite this selection, the shadow of de Klerk looms large, especially given his pivotal role in the Boks' nail-biting 36-34 triumph over the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2018. His synergy with flyhalf Handré Pollard is something that Du Preez believes adds a layer of tactical advantage that's hard to ignore.
"I personally would’ve loved for Faf to be in the mix. He’s started two World Cup finals and won them, along with Handre at flyhalf, they’ve formed a great combination."
While Du Preez harbors a preference for de Klerk's inclusion, he also praises the abilities of Grant Williams, who has been making waves this season. Williams, who has prior experience playing in New Zealand from a previous bout in 2023 where the Boks fell 35-20 to the All Blacks, is seen as a crucial player. Yet, Du Preez suggests a strategic use of Williams' talents.
"Grant, though, has been one of the most exciting halfbacks I’ve seen in a long time, but I’d personally play him in the last 30 to 35 minutes. He can definitely bring pace and quickness to the game, but Faf and Grant are a great combination as scrumhalves."
The Springboks are currently riding high on a four-match winning streak against New Zealand, and the upcoming tour presents a tantalizing opportunity to hand the All Blacks their first loss at Eden Park in over three decades. With the stakes sky-high, the blend of experience and youthful exuberance could indeed dictate the pace and intensity of the games ahead.
The team list headed to New Zealand comprises Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, and Morne van den Berg, with Faf de Klerk waiting in the wings should his seasoned prowess be needed.
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Springbok rugby icon Fourie du Preez has thrown his weight behind the notion that Faf de Klerk's wealth of experience could have been a game-changer for South Africa’s tour of New Zealand. As the team jetted off without de Klerk, who remains a just-in-case call away from the action, Du Preez aired his views on what could have been a strategic miss.
The Bok brigade for the New Zealand expedition includes the trio of Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, and Morne van den Berg. Despite this selection, the shadow of de Klerk looms large, especially given his pivotal role in the Boks' nail-biting 36-34 triumph over the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2018. His synergy with flyhalf Handré Pollard is something that Du Preez believes adds a layer of tactical advantage that's hard to ignore.
"I personally would’ve loved for Faf to be in the mix. He’s started two World Cup finals and won them, along with Handre at flyhalf, they’ve formed a great combination."
While Du Preez harbors a preference for de Klerk's inclusion, he also praises the abilities of Grant Williams, who has been making waves this season. Williams, who has prior experience playing in New Zealand from a previous bout in 2023 where the Boks fell 35-20 to the All Blacks, is seen as a crucial player. Yet, Du Preez suggests a strategic use of Williams' talents.
"Grant, though, has been one of the most exciting halfbacks I’ve seen in a long time, but I’d personally play him in the last 30 to 35 minutes. He can definitely bring pace and quickness to the game, but Faf and Grant are a great combination as scrumhalves."
The Springboks are currently riding high on a four-match winning streak against New Zealand, and the upcoming tour presents a tantalizing opportunity to hand the All Blacks their first loss at Eden Park in over three decades. With the stakes sky-high, the blend of experience and youthful exuberance could indeed dictate the pace and intensity of the games ahead.
The team list headed to New Zealand comprises Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, and Morne van den Berg, with Faf de Klerk waiting in the wings should his seasoned prowess be needed.