1 October 2015
Fourie du Preez has been named as the Springboks’ 56th Test captain. He will lead the national rugby team in their must-win encounter in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup against Scotland at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday, 3 October.
Schalk Burger has been announced as the vice-captain.
Wise and savvy
“Fourie has been one of the best scrum-halves in world rugby for a long time, but he also understands the game better than most players and is a tactical genius,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
“He will know exactly what is needed on Saturday when we continue our fight to keep our World Cup dream alive.
He described Du Preez and Burger as great leaders “who go about their work in contrasting ways and I think they will work extremely well in tandem. They are hugely experienced and they know what it will take to win this very important match against a great Scottish side.”
Du Preez fact file
- Full name: Petrus Fourie du Preez
- Height: 182 cm
- Weight: 91 kg
- Birth date: 24 March 1982
- Birth place: Pretoria
- Honours: SA Rugby Player of the Year nominee (2007); SA Rugby Player of the Year (2006, 2009); SA Rugby Young Player of the Year nominee (2003, 2004); Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Tournament (2007).
Source: Saru