Pure genius
10 Dec 2009
Fourie du Preez has established himself as the finest player on the planet.
Rugby genius. The concept is not easily defined, and should you arrive at a suitable definition, finding players who meet all the criteria is rare. It’s a relative concept, certainly, but there are attributes which are absolute. Fourie du Preez lists some of those when I ask him what he would define as genius.
‘It’s a player who reads the game and makes the right tactical decision 99% of the time after assessing the situation,’ he begins. ‘That said, you get some sharp decision-makers who don’t have the skills to execute what they see in their mind. Geniuses are able to do both, and their ability is amplified by the fact that they’ve studied their opponents.
‘Then there’s the issue of consistency. To be considered a genius you have to be able to deliver high-quality performances week in and week out against high-quality opposition.’
Du Preez has inadvertently described himself. To fully appreciate his genius you have to consider that he’s played at the height of his powers for most of what has been the most taxing season of his career.
Going into the end-of-year Tests, he had played 1 853 minutes of rugby in 2009 – the equivalent of around 23 matches – against the majority of the world’s elite players and teams. Not once has he looked like an impostor in such illustrious company. In fact, seldom have big-name players looked as ordinary as they have when pitted against the irrepressible Du Preez.
He has, however, omitted a couple of absolutes in search of a proper definition.
Geniuses have an aura about them that penetrates the opposition’s psyche, galvanises their team-mates and drives those men to a level of performance they may not have known possible. They also have the ability to change the course of a game, as Du Preez exhibited in the Super 14 and Currie Cup finals.
There were six decisive moments over the course of those 160 minutes. Du Preez was involved in all of them.
It was his try, birthed from a quick tap, against the Chiefs that signalled the start of the most emphatic performance by a team in a final in recent history. He then followed that up with another five-pointer to take his side into the lead, before threading through the most perfectly weighted grubber for Bryan Habana to score and seal the result.
To underline his aptitude for high-pressure matches, he mesmerised the Cheetahs at Loftus, directing the Bulls’ classic symphony with the skill of a master conductor – the build-up featuring an expertly executed cross-kick which sailed to the unmarked Francois Hougaard, a divine piece of handling to scoop the ball off his boot laces and send Habana away for a try, and the crescendo – a deft, looping kick into vacant space which Habana chased down to virtually assure victory.
‘I’ve seen enough talented players fold in finals or high-pressure games to know the difference between the genuine article and a pretender to genius,’ says former Wallabies, Brumbies and Reds coach Eddie Jones, who worked closely with Du Preez during their preparation for the 2007 World Cup and at the tournament itself.
‘Fourie has no equal as a scrumhalf in world rugby. No one is even remotely close. And although it’s hard to say who the best player on the planet is, because roles differ so greatly from position to position, I think if you were to consider a couple of candidates, you’d have to provide some pretty conclusive and strong arguments if you chose anyone but him.
‘The very best players in the world are those who give you an eight out of 10 performance for 80% of your matches in a season. I’d suggest Fourie is probably higher than that percentage-wise. George Gregan had some sensational seasons in the time I coached him, but he never came close to what Fourie has offered the Bulls and Boks in 2009, especially considering the amount of rugby he’s played and the intensity and pressure of those games. Just unbelievable, mate.’
Du Preez has, at times, looked like he was reading the game in a Matrix-type code, not dissimilar to the manner in which Keanu Reeves’s character in the sci-fi blockbuster did, and he seemed to have the ability to supernaturally elevate his spirit and make tactical decisions based on information attained via an aerial view of the action.
‘It’s definitely been my best season ever,’ says Du Preez, confirming what many astute commentators have acknowledged. ‘The 2007 season was a great one for me personally, but this season I’ve felt like my game has shifted to a different level.
‘I’m more mature now, with none of the insecurities I had in the past, and I know my game, my strengths and weaknesses, inside out. It helps that I’ve been playing in winning teams and with great, experienced players around me.
‘Last year wasn’t particularly memorable for me,’ Du Preez continues, lamenting a season where the Bulls and Springboks were infuriatingly mediocre. ‘I struggled for form at some stages, so I appreciate what it’s like to be back in the groove now.
‘Those things that weren’t going for you when you were struggling, suddenly do. You try things that were failing and they come off. You start reading the game better, seeing spaces in the opponents’ defensive line or areas you can kick in to that aren’t marked. It just all fell into place for me this season.’
Du Preez is less analytical than team-mate Victor Matfield, who studies lineouts with religious devotion. He relies more on experience and instinct. In preparing for matches, he spends the bulk of his time looking at how his opposing scrumhalf defends around the scrum and ruck fringe. The rest, he says, comes naturally.
Jones once told the media that former Wallabies flyhalf Stephen Larkham had the ability to read how a passage of play would unfold two phases ahead, and would be prepared when it did. Du Preez humbly denies that he has such foresight, an assertion some would disagree with, but concedes that his positional sense is the facet of play that he has made the biggest strides in.
‘I play more on feel than I do relying on pre-match analysis,’ Du Preez explains. ‘When I’m out on the field I get a sense of what my opponents are likely to do and try to position myself accordingly.
‘It’s not that hard, we play against the same guys every year,’ he adds, again displaying the now familiar trait of self-deprecation. ‘So I wouldn’t make too much of it. I’m just like any other player, really.’
However, with every touch kick fielded and accurate counter-kick launched, every box kick that is suspended in the air just long enough for the chasers to contest and every punt that rolls into touch in an attacking position, every snipe around the blindside that leaves the opposition bewildered and every zinging or popped pass that finds its intended target, Du Preez’s claim to mere mortality is rejected.
‘He’ll never admit to it, but those of us who work with him know that he is a once-in-a- generation player,’ says Bulls backline coach and former Springbok wing, Pieter Rossouw.
‘There’s nothing you can teach him technically because he’s the complete player, and he’s also so strong mentally. When he isn’t around, the Bulls and Springboks don’t have the same threat. That’s not a criticism of the second-choice players in that position, it’s just that Fourie is a special, special player.’
A special player the Bulls and Springboks have to start contemplating life without. Having won all he can with those teams, Du Preez admits that he is thinking about challenging himself afresh.
There is, of course, no shortage of European suitors wanting to ensure that the next phase of his career plays out in their club’s colours. His contract with the Bulls ends in October 2010, and he hasn’t yet made a decision about whether or not he will continue playing in South Africa. Losing a player of his quality would be the equivalent of losing an organ in the human body. Functioning would be adequate for survival, but you wouldn’t be firing at optimal potency.
‘I have a big decision to make in the next couple of months,’ Du Preez says, driving home the possibility that South African rugby could lose one of the jewels in its crown.
‘I have to weigh up whether I want to have a chance of defending the World Cup in 2011 or whether I should move on. I’ve spent my whole life in Pretoria, next year will be my 10th at the Bulls, and I feel like I have to get out of my comfort zone. I don’t want to be stuck in the same routine for the rest of my career.’
Du Preez, however, rejects the suggestion that his departure would see a dramatic capitulation of his teams.
‘If the succession planning is right I don’t think that would be an issue,’ he argues. ‘Sure, there’ll be a rebuilding period for the Bulls and Boks because I don’t think many of the senior players in those sides will continue to play beyond 2011, at least not in South Africa. But we have some special young players in this country.
‘Francois Hougaard [Du Preez’s understudy at the Bulls] is one of those, and I think he’ll be the Springbok scrumhalf for a long time. There are others like him in different positions. So if we plan well, there’s no reason to think it will all fall apart because we have an abundance of class youngsters.’
Class is a widely available commodity in South Africa. The genius that is Du Preez is a scarce one. Let’s appreciate and celebrate that we’ve seen genius in our generation.
By Ryan Vrede
– This article first appeared in the December issue of SA Rugby magazine. The January-February issue goes on sale next week.
411 Comments
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10 Dec 2009, 08:57 am
get real ladies the truth hurts…!! when one sits in darkness to long even the smallest light makes ones eyes hurt very intensely, the game of rugby is constantly evolving. it is time for sa to wake up how long do you think this structured approach will last, i will be suprized if it lasts six months, especially since fourie was talking about about quiting earlier this year, as if sa rugby needs him, well the current pattern needs him. the sooner he leaves the better for the future of sa rugby… viva ricky
10 Dec 2009, 08:57 am
@PissAnt:
Yes, I heard he wanted to retire, he was sick and tired.
By all accounts there is a very nice camaraderie in the Bok setup at the moment. Less of the “top down, schoolteacher” approach, more of the “we’re a bunch of buddies” approach.
10 Dec 2009, 08:57 am
@Robzim: spot on Rob! The “hero-worshipping” is also what i don’t like, otherwise Fdp is an incredible player who i’m glad plays for us than against us. All this praise that he is some sort of mastermind and Matrix analogies are just waaaaay OTT…
10 Dec 2009, 08:59 am
@graeme1:
Whatever makes you sleep at night! Hows those Rick Janurie PJs working out for you?
10 Dec 2009, 08:59 am
@rangerman:
#35
Sharp
Bit early for me.
10 Dec 2009, 09:00 am
@graeme1:
Your mate Ricki always plays well against NZ.
10 Dec 2009, 09:01 am
I think he’s a bit over-rated. Well, when he runs I think he’s the best scrumhalf in the world, but go back and watch the games from this year and notice how often he kicks away possession. He almost cost us that first Lions test with his kicking away the ball. He did it alot in the second test too. I think Habana is looking the best he’s ever been but sadly he hasn’t had alot of opportunities because FDP and Morne Steyn keep kicking away valuble possession. Don’t get me wrong, I really like them both, but they need to establish when to kick and when not to kick. Like, they are the main reason we lost to Ireland. Ireland kept launching counter-attacks off our failed kicks but yet we just kept doing it. FDP should play less of a kicking game, because he truly is a genius when it comes to the running game. I can’t help but agree that he is a little bit over-rated. He isn’t the finest player in the world at the moment.
1. Richie McCaw
2. BOD
3. Carter
4. FDP
5. Giteau
10 Dec 2009, 09:01 am
The best part of the interview – if indeed took place – is FdP’s total disregard to Hinie Adams, praising his heir apparent Hougaard as the future scrumhalf to take his place
hehehe
10 Dec 2009, 09:02 am
I also do not see what the value of a “vanity piece” like this is. Fourie du Preez in person is a very humble person.
His achievements speak for themselves:
IRB U/21 World Cup in 2002
Three Currie Cups (’03, ’04, ’09)
Two Super 14s (’07, ’09)
Two Tri-Nations (’04, ’09)
Rugby World Cup 2007
He has been voted SA Rugby Player of the Year by the SA Rugby Football Union two times.
And he’s still only 27!
10 Dec 2009, 09:02 am
McCaw isn’t fit to tie FDP’s shoe laces (last world cup decent refs exposed him as a cheat)and leonard doesn’t deserve to be on the same field.
The only kiwi half back of recent years that comes close to FDP is Justin Marshall.
Picking between those two makes my brain bleed.
10 Dec 2009, 09:07 am
@DEE DAH:
Dont be silly mate, McCaw is the player of the decade and has been at the very top or close to every year for the last 5 or 6 years no player comes close to that.
10 Dec 2009, 09:08 am
In the spirit of Hussain Bolt’s conversion, I am changing my name to Ammarrah.
10 Dec 2009, 09:18 am
@DEE DAH:
You posting’s pretty much correct, nailing it beautifully
McCaw is not the player of the year ’09, no one gets anywhere near FdP.
But don’t expect Richie to admit it, he plies his trade in cheat, he plays referees. McCaw came to prominence only after 2005 when rucking in rugby was made illegal, prior to ’05 McCaw used to wear a reinforced head gear and got his arms and hands spiked all over, he used to be much quieter then.
Don’t get me wrong, he is a world class forward and a good ABs captain, however, in S Africa the rugby always has been an honourable thing unlike in down under.
10 Dec 2009, 09:18 am
that is one thing about you colonialists you always become personal when you realize you are talking sh@t. the entire sa bok team will be pulvirized in the world cup unless they put 14 balck players on the filed because you whites should rather go to the WWF because that is all you can do good wrestle. stop playing the man and play the ball. i think whites are one dimensional thikers in general, that is why sports like rugby are not for them. they asre pretty much useless at it. they think and act like robots, have been tryig to perfect this so called structured appraoch for the past hundred years now finally when nz and aus temas are in a re building phase, this appraoch has some success and suddenly you are the best in the world wake up you will neve defend that wordl cup, you bloody stupid pale faces, suffering from this deranged mental illness that in for most part uncurrible called an inflated beliet in their own abilites. nothing but a superiority complex that smells like sh@t, thast mental illness can be smelled runnign from you ears and i am gettig the stench through my laptop. i cant wait for malema to become president so we can make like my uncle bob, and clenase africa from your greedey slimy infectious, sludgy, one dimensional, overated, superioity complexed, lack of pigmentation, not from africa, boere and rednecks.this is africa for africans this is not europe, i think your brain cells are still struggiling to acclimatize to our weather that why you thiking smells like dog sh@t. we wil eredicate you dont worry about that…!! remenber there is no more madelas left for you!!! only zumas and malemas. and much more pdv’s ricky’s, adi’s and the likes!!!!! ah this i sso nice, please reply, i would like to hear from your, sewage dumps so i can call enviro services to clean you up. up yours!!!!!
10 Dec 2009, 09:22 am
Everybody just ignore the little troll under the bridge. He’ll be banned soon.
10 Dec 2009, 09:23 am
@graeme1:
Dude, grow up! You so lame! Go take the piss somewhere else.
10 Dec 2009, 09:24 am
@WP Till I Die:
Hope so, what a load of shite.
10 Dec 2009, 09:25 am
@NZINCHINA:
The danger is, you repeat it another 3 times, you’ll start believing it
LOL
10 Dec 2009, 09:26 am
@Hondo:
Can you elaborate on the honour thing?
10 Dec 2009, 09:26 am
@graeme1: Malpitte so vroeg in die oggend doen dit aan jou
10 Dec 2009, 09:30 am
@graeme1:
Good effort Greame!
What nest? the skies are the limit for you
10 Dec 2009, 09:35 am
@graeme1: hao modimo! I thought i asked you nicely to stick to rugby debate, what malema are doing is of no interest to us. We are all aware that you are here to sow racial discord by making out black bloggers to be irrational @rseholes, well your little stunt is not working.
You can bang on about malema all you want he does not interest us, just do us a favour and go back to R-T your webmaster needs all the hits he can get over there mgodoyi.
10 Dec 2009, 09:35 am
keo and his cult enjoy the your dark room further just came to administer some light to your dull minds once agian. i really hope you awake from your slumber your freaking idiots…! over and out..PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG… MAYBE NOT…
10 Dec 2009, 09:38 am
@graeme1:
very “colonial” name you’ve got there boet
10 Dec 2009, 09:39 am
@graeme1: don’t ever come back marete a hao!
10 Dec 2009, 09:40 am
@graeme1: Mooi bly ouboet
10 Dec 2009, 09:41 am
@graeme1:
Man! You for real?
10 Dec 2009, 09:41 am
@Pearl Rose:
That was my impression as well, that he is an agent provocateur here to sow some discord.
@graeme1:
Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiXhosa? O a boa Sesotho? Ukhuluma isiZulu na?
10 Dec 2009, 09:42 am
@NZINCHINA:
S African players don’t cheat intentionally, they don’t practice the short forward passes like the ABs, they don’t carry on after knocking the ball, they usually stay on side of the gain line because that’s how they were taught to play at High School and Varsities
They don’t drop scrums intentionally either, of course this bold statement does not include The Beast, Mijati, Steenkamp or Chiliboy.
There are indeed 2 players on the verge of criminal transgressions in the Boks camp, we all know who they are but they are the exception.
10 Dec 2009, 09:42 am
@graeme1:
Boet.
If you wanna kuk white people out, YOU GOTTA LEARN TO SPELL!!
10 Dec 2009, 09:45 am
@graeme1:
iNingizimu Afrika lizwe elimangalisayo. Usebenzani? Uhlalapi?
10 Dec 2009, 09:46 am
@charo:
Graeme’s a scotish name actually, are you a Highlander Graeme?
10 Dec 2009, 09:46 am
@graeme1:
Back to school with you.
Grammar and spelling and begrip lessons await!
10 Dec 2009, 09:52 am
not much rugby news around i see.
10 Dec 2009, 09:54 am
“Nobody in rugby should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” – Jono Gibbs
10 Dec 2009, 09:56 am
@Hondo:
You should start up a business selling halo’s to SA rugby players, you’d make a fortune.
10 Dec 2009, 10:00 am
@Hondo: you are quite another piece of **** that stains this blog,you know that!?
I know cj & bj have dropped their bind and leaked penalties for quite a while now while playing for the bokke, but i never thought it was due to their pigmentation or that they were genetically predisposed to doing that.
10 Dec 2009, 10:02 am
@NZINCHINA:
LOL… Might make as much money as Mcaws upcoming book “Mcaws guide to cheating”.
10 Dec 2009, 10:03 am
its funny coz FDP never looks like he’s trying to hard when he dissects teams .it all looks to easy
RUGBY MASTERMIND!!1
10 Dec 2009, 10:05 am
@Sonito:
LOL – would be a good read
Hey Hondo Corne Krige & Louis Luyt could be your frontmen for the new business.
10 Dec 2009, 10:09 am
@Hurricane: Hurricane, if you living in Wellington, please convince Cullen to come out of retirement. World Rugby needs an exciting,freak of a runner
10 Dec 2009, 10:10 am
STORMERS FANS
some of the guys will be at Tygervalley around 13:30 between entrances 9 & 10… so do what I’m doing, go see Invictus in the morning, have lunch and hook up with the guys later
10 Dec 2009, 10:12 am
@Bok fan:
They have a new Cullen Cory Jane, this guy will a big star next year.
10 Dec 2009, 10:13 am
@Sonito: Marshall was better than Gregan and Fourie is better than Marshall – only just
10 Dec 2009, 10:14 am
@NZINCHINA:
Can he also bench 160kg?
10 Dec 2009, 10:15 am
@jondood:
Wouldn’t have thought so, your thoughts on Jane?
10 Dec 2009, 10:16 am
@NZINCHINA:
There will only ever be one Cullen. I remember once watching the hurricane’s team train at loftus, they were playing touch rugby and cullen ran through the whole team without getting touched and instead of dotting the ball down he then turned around and ran through the whole team again. His team mates just stood there in awe.
10 Dec 2009, 10:18 am
Nothing sucks like keoflux – flukkin hell. Standarde daal vinnig.
10 Dec 2009, 10:19 am
@Bok fan:
Not sure about that. Even in NZ Meg Ryan is not even rated that highly unless you live in canterbury.
10 Dec 2009, 10:19 am
@NZINCHINA:
Made a fortune already!
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