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South Africa scrumhalf Fourie du Preez will miss the entire international season after opting for shoulder surgery which will keep him out of action for six months.
Du Preez, who won his third Super 14 title with the Bulls last weekend, saw a specialist on Wednesday and decided to have an operation on the long-standing problem early next week.
The 28-year-old du Preez, considered the world's bet No.9, will be sidelined for Tests against France and Italy later this month as well as the Springboks' Tri Nations defence and end-of-year tour to Europe.
Du Preez had already been rested for Saturday's one-off Test against Wales.
He has said that he will retire from internationals after the World Cup in New Zealand next year.
AP