There are few, if any, players who have become a victim to the Springboks’ depth than back-rower Jean-Luc du Preez.

An aggressive and versatile forward who is excellent on both sides of the ball and a handy lineout option, Du Preez ticks all the boxes to be not only a regular squad member of the Springboks but perhaps even a starter.

Long time between appearances

However, it hasn’t turned out that way for him as, since his debut in 2016, he has earned just 14 Test caps, the last of which was ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup against Argentina.

That was his first cap for the Boks since 2018, and on Saturday against the Barbarians, he will earn his first start in Green and Gold in seven years.

Over the years, he has remained on the fringe of the Springboks team, earning call-ups for wider squads and representing South Africa A on multiple occasions.

With Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom sidelined through injury and Jasper Wiese nearing the end of his rehabilitation, Du Preez has been finally been granted a deserved opportunity in Erasmus’ squad.

Despite the rarity of the chance, the Bordeaux-bound loose forward won’t be forcing the issue against the Baa-Baas in Cape Town.

“This might sound very weird, but just to do the basics unbelievably well,” Du Preez told SuperSport.

“Getting over the gain-line on attack, and then stopping their gain-line on defence. That’s what Jasper’s role is in the Springbok team and that’s what my role is this weekend.

“So for me, nothing flashy. Just to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Toughest Springboks position

During his time at Sale Sharks, the 29-year-old played across the back-row and at lock. He performed consistently throughout his time at the Premiership outfit but never enough to secure a regular role in the Springboks squad, with Du Preez stating that cementing a place among the back-row is the most challenging position to do so.

“That is definitely the toughest position to get into and then being able to stay in the Springboks team,” he said.

“We’ve got Vincent [Tshituka] coming through now, Siya [Kolisi] has been here for years.

“Pieter-Steph du Toit is the World Rugby Player of the Year, it is really tough.

“But again, it’s healthy competition and guys aren’t dragging each other down. We’re trying to help each other and get the best out of each other every day.”

While the clash against the Baa-Baas won’t add to Du Preez’s 14 Test caps, he will face international quality opposition with Barbarians head coach naming Sam Cane, Peter O’Mahony and Shannon Frizell in his starting loose trio. Former Chiefs flanker Lachlan Boshier has also been included on the bench along as has All Blacks number eight Hoskins Sotutu.