The Blue Bulls' scrumhalf Fourie du Preez will play in his 50th test for South Africa in Perth on Saturday - the World Cup-winning number nine joining an elite band of Boks who have passed the half-century mark.

Top of that list is retired utility back Percy Montgomery, now the Boks' kicking coach, with his 102 caps making him the only South African past the century mark.

Next in line, but soon to be overtaken, is retired scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen on 89 Tests.

Bok captain John Smit will play his 88th Test on Saturday.

Others Boks over 50 caps are Victor Matfield (86), Os du Randt (80, retired), Mark Andrews (77, retired), André Venter (66, retired), Breyton Paulse (64, retired), Juan Smith (60), Bakkies Botha (60), CJ van der Linde (56, abroad), Ollie le Roux (54, retired), Bryan Habana (51), Jean de Villiers (51, injured - heading abroad), Joe van Niekerk (51, abroad), Albert van den Berg (51, retired from international rugby), Schalk Burger jnr (50).

"It is a fantastic honour for me to represent the Springboks and it is special to wear the jersey for a 50th time," Du Preez said.

"Whilst the milestone has its relevance it is more important that the team does well in its bid to become Tri-Nations champions."

The 27-year-old Du Preez is widely seen as the best scrumhalf in the world and one of the best players currently in world rugby.

Du Preez made his provincial debut during 2001 for the Blue Bulls in a match against the Leopards in the Currie Cup competition.

It was in 2003 that he made his Super 12 (now, Super 14) debut for the Bulls, against the Brumbies.

The following year he made his Test debut for the Springboks in a match against Ireland.

In 2006 Du Preez was voted Player of the year by the South African Rugby Football Union. He was nominated for IRB player of the year as well.

Bio:
Full name: Petrus Fourie
Surname: Du Preez
Height: 182cm
Weight: 91kg
Birth date: 24 March 1982
Birth city: Pretoria
Primary school: Skuilkrans Primary
Secondary school: Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, Pretoria
Tertiary education: University of Pretoria
Test debut: 12 June 2004, v Ireland in Bloemfontein aged 22
Last Test: 8 August 2009, v Australia in Cape Town aged 27
Total tests: 49
Total Springbok matches: 49
Tours: British Isles, Ireland & Argentina, 2004; Argentina, Wales & France, 2005; Ireland & Scotland, 2007; RWC in France, Wales & Scotland, 2007; British Isles, 2008.

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