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South Africa have always prided themselves on their giant forwards but halfback Fourie du Preez, the smallest member of the team, has arguably played the biggest part in getting them to the rugby World Cup semifinal.
Du Preez may be little in stature compared with his teammates but what he lacks in size he makes up for in skill and sheer courage.
The 25-year-old left no one in any doubt why he is regarded as the world's best halfback with his inspired display in the 36-0 demolition of defending champions England during the pool stage.
He was named man of the match after setting up all three of his team's tries and has gone from strength to strength in every game since to emerge as South Africa's most dangerous player.
"Fourie is a world-class player. He's got a mature head on him, he's so experienced and the added skill that he's got is his huge kicking game," said Springbok assistant coach Allister Coetzee.
"It really helps a big pack of forwards when they pick up their heads and they're just going forward all the time.
"He's got a great service, which helps Butch James open up a bit of space for the outside backs, and when he's firing it just makes it so difficult for our opponents."
Du Preez started out as a loose forward before moving to halfback but his background has helped him remain an important part of the pack.
"From a forward's point of view he's probably one of the players that has improved the most, not just in his ability but also in his confidence and that also goes over to the pack as well," South Africa forwards coach Gert Smal said.
"Specifically when we plan things, he participates quite extensively so it's quite good to have experienced players like that within your mix."
Du Preez was seemingly born to play rugby and his father, who had the same name, played number eight for Transvaal.
Du Preez jnr represented South Africa at under-19 level and was a member of the team that won the under-21 World Cup in 2002.
He made his test debut against Ireland in 2004, was South Africa's player of the year in 2006 and made the shortlist of nominations for the IRB player of the year.
The South Africans were surprised when du Preez was overlooked as one of the five nominees for this year's player of the year but believe there is an even bigger prize on offer.
"It's difficult to count any other halfbacks around that can compete with Fourie at this point in time," Coetzee said.
"But for us at the moment it's not about any individuals. That nomination or award for IRB player of the year counts for nothing if we don't win the World Cup. It would just be an added bonus."
- Reuters
