Du Preez: ‘I almost quit’
1 Dec 2009
Fourie du Preez has decided to stay with the Springboks after admitting he had thoughts of retirement earlier this year.
Like Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana and John Smit, Du Preez is one of many stalwarts in the team that remains from the Boks’ victorious campaign at the 2007 World Cup and has been a star player for the world champions in 2009.
The Bok No 9 does, however, admit that he almost considered retiring at the end of this season because of personal reasons, but after a successful year, he now wants to be part of the Boks’ title defence at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
‘At the moment I’m really enjoying my rugby, and the atmosphere that has been created has brought out the best in my game,’ Du Preez told SuperRugby. ‘It was a difficult few months for me earlier this year, and a lot hinged on how things went. But the way I feel now I have a few good years in my. It wasn’t as if things weren’t good at the Boks in the past, but rather a case of whether I can reach my own goals and do better in my game.
‘A lot of us who were in the team that won the 2007 World Cup said we would make decisions after the Lions tour and take it from there,’ Du Preez said. ‘But the success we have had this year makes 2011 the next goal. If the year didn’t go so well, then my international career would be over right now.’
Du Preez has enjoyed a triumphant season with the Boks and Bulls, which has seen him win Tri-Nations, British and Irish Lions, Super 14 and Currie Cup titles in 2009. Many believe he should have received the IRB Player of the Year award, but he lost out to All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.
These achievements have influenced Du Preez’s decision to stay.
‘I’ve really been happy with this season – it was definitely my best yet,’ said Du Preez. ‘I really gave a lot of thought to retiring at the end of this season. I was planning for a season or two overseas and wanted to get out of Pretoria, out of my comfort zone.
‘But the way things have gone made it difficult to contemplate quitting. The atmosphere that was set by the Springbok management was really wonderful. This Bok management is really some of the best ever and in that aspect I enjoy being part of the Springboks. They made it easier to make the decision.’
Du Preez’s contract at the Bulls expires in October 2010, but it looks certain that the scrumhalf will sign an extension to fulfill his 2011 World Cup ambitions.
433 Comments
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1 Dec 2009, 09:29 am
Wez… It is a shame Habana, Jpp and Kirshner are not utilised more. My god these boys can F I N I S H… why the heck are they constantly being run ragged chasing BS up-n-unders?
It’s got me stuffed.
1 Dec 2009, 09:31 am
@RugbyRulz: It’s because Morne Steyn is a one trick pony.
1 Dec 2009, 09:34 am
@rossoneri:
But that trick brought us the S14, the Currie Cup, the British Lions series and the Tri Nations trophy. Pretty neat trick, wouldn’t you say?
1 Dec 2009, 09:34 am
@Lions_Soutie: I wouldn’t open up to John either. Seems he is just a skinner bek captain who wants to make money off the personal lives of his team.
1 Dec 2009, 09:35 am
@Tacitus: And what happened when the form left the building? So did the wins. Morne just the new Jannie de Beer, and Andre Pretorius. We’ve seen these one dimensional types before.
1 Dec 2009, 09:35 am
@rossoneri: hahaha you baiting me or what?
1 Dec 2009, 09:38 am
The award for the blogger who knows least about rugby goes to Skopskiet. Well done boy, at least you won something.
1 Dec 2009, 09:38 am
@Tacitus: Morne is indeed talented, he needs to expand his skill-set. IMHO Carter has the lot and if Morne is prepared to move out of him comfort zone he may become a very good 10.
1 Dec 2009, 09:38 am
That is a boring old trick im surprised we won so much games with it. You still do need accurate kickers in tight games. What im trying to say is that there has to be a balance between the 2 contrasting styles .
1 Dec 2009, 09:39 am
@RugbyRulz: not baiting. Why are you a Morne Steyn lover?
1 Dec 2009, 09:41 am
@rossoneri:
Err…what’s your point?
When Morne was off form, he didn’t win us the test. When he’s on form again, he will win us tests again.
Where’s the problem there?
Rather, the question should be what percentage of the time is he on form? And so far he is on form far more than he is not.
And if anyone should be criticized, it’s the coaching team who couldn’t come up with any other way of winning a test when Morne wasn’t able to pull the irons out of the fire.
1 Dec 2009, 09:41 am
@rossoneri: Not at all, I do recognise his prodigious goal kicking ability.
1 Dec 2009, 09:42 am
@RugbyRulz: I agree with what you said. Except that Morne is stupid like Frans Steyn.Both of them can only master one thing at a time. Kicking that’s it. The rest of it makes zero sense to them.
Take the 19-0 game in Cape Town in 2008 with the All Blacks. Carter must have missed 4 kicks, but his on field distribution and skill, set his back line on fire and the tries came. Morne, when kicking form is gone. Got **** all. Nada. Niks.
1 Dec 2009, 09:45 am
@Tacitus: You know Tac. You’re right. But if a player is kak dom, and can only do one thing. What must the coaching staff do. I think they must get a flyhalf that can do it all, not a kicker.
It’s like saying my secretary types at amazing speed, but cannot make copies or answer the phone. At the typing contest she was great, but couldn’t arrange an appointment if you begged her.
1 Dec 2009, 09:45 am
@rossoneri: How many World Cups has Dan Carter won?
1 Dec 2009, 09:47 am
@rossoneri:
OK. I’m done here. Pick Ruan Pienaar in your team if great distribution is your primary goal, then.
I keep forgetting why I visit this site so infrequently these days. Thanks for reminding me.
1 Dec 2009, 09:48 am
@rossoneri: Did you ask for a BJ? She may have been WORLD CLASS there
1 Dec 2009, 09:49 am
@Tacitus: During the S14 I recall a Cheetah player, I do not remember his name. Perhaps he could be tested.
1 Dec 2009, 09:49 am
@Oubaas2009: The same number as Naas Botha.
1 Dec 2009, 09:49 am
If he wanted to quit and go to Europe it would only have been for the money. No way that he would have developed as a player any further because his game (if it comes of) is handmade for the conditions over there.
If he wanted to only play because he loves the game he would have gone to Aus or NZ where they could teach him how to tail the ball and not constantly arrive at a loose scrum one minute after a tackle has been made.
1 Dec 2009, 09:50 am
@Oubaas2009: But you would sell your left nut to have Carter as SA’s flyhalf wouldn’t you. As a lover of the sport, (and I’m presuming ofcourse), you cannot be so obtuse as not to appreciate Carter’s game, skill, and style. Pure Brilliance, packaged with intellect.
Don;t hate the player hate the game.
Your Morne kan skop. En as die skop klaar is. Is hy klaar. Punt.
1 Dec 2009, 09:52 am
Leave skoppie alone bra. He has the right to an opinion.
1 Dec 2009, 09:54 am
@Tacitus: Ok Tac. Are you saying that all the Flyhalf needs to do is kick all day? Cos if that is your idea of a complete Flyhalf then yes. Morne is your man. Saturday ought to have had you breaking out in Christmas Carols, and somewhere in your head you would have been whispering how Morne is rocking your world. He did everyting you said he must do. Bet you were real shocked at the result though?
1 Dec 2009, 09:56 am
@RugbyRulz: Rulz it was an analogy, but for the record, I am a woman, so the joke didn’t quite come off.
1 Dec 2009, 09:57 am
@TheTackler: Difference being, Naas never played in a World Cup. Its like saying how many World Cups did Danie Craven win.
I will ask you again. How many World Cups has Dan Carter won?
1 Dec 2009, 10:02 am
@rossoneri: Dan is a fantastic player. One of the best ever. But in terms of turning it on when it really matters? Does he tick that box? Still up for debate until RWC 2011 IMO. That goes for entire All Black Team since 1989!
1 Dec 2009, 10:02 am
@Oubaas2009: Who are you asking? Me tackler, skop? WTF!
Is this answer the obvious question day? Ok I’ll play.
How many has Morne Steyn won? Your ***** of Flyhalfs!
1 Dec 2009, 10:02 am
1987
1 Dec 2009, 10:04 am
@rossoneri: Look in the mirror and say slowly. I am a clever fella.
1 Dec 2009, 10:04 am
@Oubaas2009: Every game the All Blacks play really matter. That is what is wrong with the Boks.
1 Dec 2009, 10:04 am
@rossoneri: My apologies
@Oubaas2009: Apples being what they are… I would have Dan Carter in a losing team before I would have Morne Steyn, Frans Steyn, Pienaar, ANY South African flyhalf present or past.
Seriously you are delusional if you think Morne is a good 10, he is limited, robotic, acutely one dimensional. That does not mean he is a loss. He kicks goals very well, most of the time.
1 Dec 2009, 10:06 am
@Oubaas2009: That is information I already know. You try it. You could use the confidence and the insight in how to use the quote arrows.
1 Dec 2009, 10:08 am
@RugbyRulz: no probs rulz.
1 Dec 2009, 10:09 am
@rossoneri: World Cups are won by defense and that “one trick”
1 Dec 2009, 10:10 am
@rossoneri: Stop your blaspheming
1 Dec 2009, 10:11 am
@RugbyRulz: Shite, well I guess PDV, the selectors, Heineke Meyer, Frans Ludeke and I are all delusional. I never was comparing Dan Carter to Morne Steyn. Dan Carters pedigree is fantastic but fact remains he has the Everest of rugby still to climb after a few attempts at it. I think he would be the first to admit that.
1 Dec 2009, 10:14 am
@JL1: Not always, but what you’ve described is how ugly boring rugby is played.
@JL1: ****. Are you happy now? Feeling better?
1 Dec 2009, 10:15 am
@JL1: Yes it served our Bernie well; he knocked over an absolute pearl. I don’t know who was the more surprised, Bernie, the rest of the Wallabies or the Bokke; I know I had a grin wider than the span on Sydney Harbour Bridge.
There is a place in the game for all facets of play, the goal being the cornerstone of Rugby.
1 Dec 2009, 10:15 am
@Oubaas2009: Naas was at the very peak of his powers in 1987 and 1991. (Almost as good as Grant Fox, in fact.) But both of those RWCs were won by a different flyhalf.
1 Dec 2009, 10:16 am
@Oubaas2009: Dude, 20 years from now, if Dan Carter still does not have a WC medal, he will still be a giant of the game, and will far surpass the likes of Morne, Frans, or Ruan in pedigre, and excellence. Fact.
1 Dec 2009, 10:18 am
@rossoneri: Boring but winning — love it
Yes, much better if you have to swear
1 Dec 2009, 10:18 am
Would you rather have a Bok side with or without FDP? His detractors (there’s seemingly only one of this blog) must be nuts.
1 Dec 2009, 10:19 am
@TheTackler: Fantastic argument.
1 Dec 2009, 10:20 am
@JL1: I’m glad you agree.
1 Dec 2009, 10:21 am
@RugbyRulz: Well it is extremely difficult to get it right, more so than a try, hence a try was the opportunity to actually try and kick the ball over the crossbar
Bernie knew that that 3 points would break the opposition team, look what it did to the ABs IN 95, the Wallabies in 2003, the Pomms in 1999
1 Dec 2009, 10:22 am
@rossoneri: Pedigree. He is a giant of the game. That is a fact you’re right. But a giant without a RWC medal is not a very happy giant. And I’m not your dude, dude.
1 Dec 2009, 10:22 am
@Oubaas2009: I am certain Dan would love the mug on his CV, suffice to say he will currently have to make do with being the best flyhalf, at this point in time.
On a closing note for the day (it is 7:15pm here) I am looking forward to winding down the years end with joyous frivolity. If I do not pop in between now and the next season (S14) I wish you all a wonderful Christmas / holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Cheers all
1 Dec 2009, 10:23 am
Dan Carters has fantastic abilties as a rugby player, no doubt.
He is however vulnerable when placed under pressure. Sides that have the abilities to physically dominate the AB’s and force them bacwards, thereby putting pressure on Carter, he is prone to imploding under the pressure.
This is why the physical sides like SA and France can beat the AB’s.
When the AB’s alllowed to play off the front foot , few better than Carter
1 Dec 2009, 10:23 am
@wooden spoon: The FDP detractors amount to Skopskiet. He’s a real rugby brain.
1 Dec 2009, 10:24 am
@rossoneri: Adding “dude” in your sentences realy does show your upbringing, vocabulary, age and intellect
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