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Rugby Union

Du Preez absent for Wales clash

19/11/2007

Springbok scrum-half Fourie du Preez has pulled out of Saturday's one-off Test against Wales in Cardiff with a shoulder problem.

It is expected that Du Preez will opt to undergo surgery in a bid to be fit for the start of the southern hemisphere season with the Blue Bulls.

The mercurial number nine was one of the stars of South Africa's World Cup triumph last month and is the latest in a string of high-profile withdrawals.

Lock Victor Matfield has been excused to spend more time with his family, while Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw, Gurthro Steenkamp and Percy Montgomery have all failed to secure clearance to play from their clubs.

Veteran forwards Os du Randt and Bobby Skinstad have retired in the wake of capturing the Webb Ellis trophy, while Jean de Villiers and prop BJ Botha are out through injury.

Captain John Smit is expected to appear but, along with many of his team-mates who play their club rugby in Europe, he is unable to turn out the following weekend against the Barbarians.

Coach Jake White may opt to move Ruan Pienaar back to his favoured position of scrum-half, although he was believed to have been earmarked to take on the full-back role vacated by Montgomery.

The problem may be resolved through the reintroduction of Conrad Jantjes who could make his first start for the 'Boks since appearing against the same opposition over two years ago.