He was once again included in their squad for the 2013 Vodacom Cup competition[7] and made his first start for the Blue Bulls, once again against the Falcons,[8] this time scoring seven conversions.

[9] Du Plessis weighed in with two tries and fifteen conversions (missing just one attempt), scoring 40 points in one match, a Vodacom Cup record.

[10] Du Plessis joined the Free State Cheetahs on a short-term deal for the 2013 Currie Cup Premier Division.

[11] However, Du Plessis's time in Johannesburg was short-lived and he returned to Bloemfontein for the 2015 Super Rugby season,[12] signing a contract until the end of 2016.

In August 2015, Du Plessis joined French Top 14 side Toulon as a medical joker on a three-month loan deal.