Jean-Luc du Preez relishing first Springbok start in seven years

The World Champions are seeking retribution against a fired-up Wallabies outfit who were superb on the counter-attack last week at Ellis Park. The shock loss and a spate of injuries has forced Rassie Erasmus to make a swathe of changes - ten to be exact - to the matchday 23.

One beneficiary of that is du Preez, who last started in the Bok jersey against England in 2018 in Johannesburg. The Durban native had a taste of action in the Barbarians match (not an official Test) this June and now gets a well-deserved start behind the scrum.

"Getting that run did help my confidence a little bit, but it was like two and a half months ago, so we've done a lot of prep, a lot of hard work, and a lot has changed since then," the 30-year-old toild the press this week.

"I'm just so thankful for the opportunity to get a run out on Saturday and represent my country again.

"It's my first Test start in seven years, so that speaks for itself. I would just like to do my best for the team and get us on the front foot, and hopefully we can get the job done on Saturday.

"Your mind is a powerful thing, and there were times when I was thinking, 'Should I just give up on the Springboks?' But I would never be able to actually do that.

"It's taken quite a while for me to start again, but you can never take this for granted; you need to make it count."

Du Preez's cap comes off the back of workmanlike performances for the Sale Sharks, but also due to injuries such as Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom and the suspension of the incumbent Jasper Wiese.

"I don't want to look too far ahead, and we might have players coming back before then, too," he admitted.

"It's my first Test in such a long time and Saturday is the only thing on my mind right now."

In terms of the match ahead, du Preez revealed that defence - which leaked six tries in Johannesburg - has been one of the focal points this week.

"There is a lot of pressure on us, and then for me to come in after not starting for seven years, I'm just trying not to think about the outside noise too much," he continued.

"Just get my prep right in the week and just do a proper job. We are expecting much of the same from the Aussies, who did very well last week - their turnover attack cut us up. For us, it was just working on our defence this week."

READ MORE: Rassie Erasmus: Errors against Wallabies won't stop Springboks' evolution