Du Preez vs Kockott

Both scrumhalves will be keen to prove a point in the match between the Springboks and World XV at Newlands this Saturday.

Fourie du Preez is the best No 9 in the game. He's already won the World Cup, the Tri-Nations, and a series against the British & Irish Lions.

He was one of the stars for the Boks in 2013, and the only challenge for Du Preez from hereon in is to maintain that excellent standard of performance. He is central to the Boks' structures, and yet he can be a devastating force in unstructured play.

Heyneke Meyer has selected Du Preez on the bench for this fixture, but has confirmed that Ruan Pienaar and Du Preez will share the scrumhalf duties equally, with the latter playing the second half. It's during this period where the Boks may cut loose and rack up some big numbers against the World XV.

Rory Kockott has been one of the most consistent performers in Europe over the past few seasons. Castres have relied upon his aggression in general play, as well as his accuracy in front of goal. No doubt the World XV will look to harness these strengths at Newlands on Saturday,

The odds are against Kockott making a big impression, though. Du Preez is a veteran of 67 Tests, and has outplayed better opponents than Kockott.

The Bok scrumhalf will also have the advantage of playing in a settled side. Kockott will be forced to operate with a team that's short on preparation.

Photos: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images/Thierry Soccolon/Getty Images

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