Jean Luc Du Preez: Springboks Star Ruled Out of the Year Ahead of All Blacks Clash

• The Springboks have been dealt a major setback ahead of their top-notch tie against the All Blacks of New Zealand
• Rassie Erasmus' side has been facing different issues since their last match against the Wallabies of Australia
• South African rugby fans have shared their thoughts on the news of the player's injury on social media

The Springboks have been dealt another major blow ahead of their much-anticipated clash against the All Blacks of New Zealand, with one of their star players ruled out for the remainder of the year due to injury.

This setback comes as South Africa prepares for one of the toughest fixtures in the Rugby Championship.

The back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners will face their bitter rivals, the All Blacks, at Eden Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Rassie Erasmus named his squad earlier this week, with some notable names missing out for various reasons.

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Jean-Luc du Preez ruled out for an extended period

Jean-Luc du Preez was due to start for the Springboks against Australia, but his long-awaited return to the Test arena has been derailed after being forced to withdraw due to illness. It would have been his first Test start in seven years.

The 30-year-old was in line to start this Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park, but a knee injury sustained during training this week has dashed those hopes.

Reports indicate that he could be sidelined for the remainder of the Test season this year.

“I think he will be sidelined for a substantial period,” Erasmus said at a press conference on Thursday.

In response, Siya Kolisi, who missed the last match against Australia due to injury, has been named to take over the No. 8 role.

The No. 8 position has had a tough run this year for the Boks, with both Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw sidelined for extended spells, and Jasper Wiese still serving a suspension.

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rugbystreamsxyz said:

"Kolisi’s classy call as Du Preez’s Bok year ends 'Jean-Luc du Preez’s Springbok season has been cursed by cruel luck, and his latest setback has forced Siya Kolisi to make a typically selfless call ahead of Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Eden P…"

GreggMac11 shared:

"How unlucky has Jean-Luc Du Preez been? Performances have deserved a Bok recall for many years but because of Bok loose forward depth, struggled to get that call. Finally gets selected & likely to play and injures himself in training. Must be mega frustrating #Boks"

CurryLMessi reacted

"What does a substantial period mean? For real, this start of the season is insane

Beyond the team, which is still competitive enough that we can field, the rotation takes a huge hit. And we know that it's this that made us achieve last year's season."

Sobz commented:

"van Staden continues to be the weapon formed against me 😔 Jean-Luc du Preez's injury has messed up everything."

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Kriel reacts to Springboks captaincy call-up ahead of Kolisi for All Blacks showdown

Koker Alemdar added:

"Tough break for Jean-Luc, he brings so much physicality. Hope he gets another shot soon."

Erasmus explains why Kriel remains Boks captain despite Siya's return

Briefly News earlier reported that Erasmus explained why Kriel retained the captain's handband despite Kolisi returning to the squad.

The two-time World Cup winner has captained the Boks in the absence of Siya this season.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News