Frederik Christoffel Hendrik du Preez, born in the Rustenburg District of what was called the Western Transvaal on 28 November 1935, was a player who could do anything.

He was a lock or, sometimes, flank. He was not especially tall but ruled the lineouts in days when nobody had heard of lifting. He could run with the best of backs sweeping across the field, black mane flying. He could catch and pass with the best of fly-halves and he could kick any kind of kick.

Greatest Moment

The records show that he scored only one international try - but what a try! In the first test against the 1968 Lions, Frik du Preez peeled around the front of a lineout on the left touchline and, with the ball safely tucked under his left arm, powered 40 metres along the touchline leaving, amongst others, Gareth Edwards in his wake. Now only Tom Kiernan stood in front of him but as the South African writer, AC Parker vividly concluded the Lions’ full back might as well have tried to stop a locomotive going at full speed. Frik’s try had the indelible stamp of greatness and the Springboks won a close match.

Interesting Facts

When Du Preez retired in 1971 after the demonstration-interrupted tour of Australia, he had a record of 38 caps for South Africa. In all he had worn the Springbok jersey in 87 matches and scored 87 points.

Career Status

1961-1971

Test Caps
Test Points
Test tries
Penalties
Conversions
Drop Goals