South Africa loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez is relishing the opportunity to make his first Test start in seven years.

The Springboks continue their Rugby Championship campaign against Australia, who inflicted a 38-22 win at Ellis Park last week.

It was South Africa’s first defeat to Australia in eight matches (seven wins, one draw), and their first loss to the Wallabies on home soil since 2011.

The Springboks had also won six of their last seven men’s Tests in Johannesburg, including their last seven at the venue against Australia, but the Wallabies pulled off a sensational comeback from 22-0 down to win the match.

Du Preez, who replaces the injured Siya Kolisi in the starting lineup, believes there is a lot of pressure on South Africa to win on Saturday.

“This will be my first Test start in seven years, and I’d like to do my best for the team and help get us on the front foot and hopefully, we can do a good job on Saturday,” said Du Preez.

The #Springboks team to face Australia in Cape Town tomorrow 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/WjKL6gL6K5

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 22, 2025

“I’ve been thinking quite a bit after the last week’s result. There’s a lot of pressure on us, and on me after not starting in seven years. But I’ve tried not to think about the outside noise too much and just get my preparation right in the week.

“We are expecting much of the same from them [Australia]. We must give credit to the Aussies, they did well last week.

“Their turnover attack cut us up a little, so we’ve been working hard on our defence and breakdowns this week.

“Fraser McReight might be a very good fetcher, but for us, it’s about our urgency to get to the breakdown, and we’ve focused on that this week. We need to get there before the breakdown is formed.”